Google has now added an ability to Gmail that will allow the service to automatically recognize addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses in email and convert them into hyperlinks – a feature that is present in most other email clients. This will now be available on Gmail and Inbox by Gmail for iOS, Android, and Web for all users within the next three days.
“Gmail users often exchange information like addresses and phone numbers with each other to set up meetings, introduce colleagues and plan events. Precious time can be lost by having to copy and paste this information from an email into other apps and websites, so we wanted to provide a better way to perform these tasks that also saves time,” reads the G Suite blog post.
How it works
Clicking an address link will take the user to Google Maps. Clicking an email address will compose a new email, using the user’s default email client. Finally, when using a mobile device, clicking a phone number will start a call request using the default phone app.
The Internet search giant has packed a number of smart features into Gmail in the past like Smart Reply for iOS and Android, so it is a little surprising that it is only now adding interactive hyperlinking to its mail service, but a part of the reason behind this delay could be Apple’s patent on it that expired last year.
Google explains that address links will open in Google Maps, email address links will open up a new compose window on your default email client, and clicking on a phone number will start a call using your default phone app.
These hyperlinks aim to make it easier for users to take quick actions while browsing through email. Notably, phone number linking has been available for Android and iOS via their respective operating systems functionality, but the rest of the features are new to Gmail.