Non Html Gmail: The Plain Truth About Gmail Changes

Gmail has undergone significant changes over the years, and one of the most notable is the shift from a plain text interface to an HTML-based one. This change was made to improve user experience and add more features.

In the past, Gmail's plain text interface was the norm, but it had its limitations. It was simple and easy to use, but it lacked many features that are now taken for granted.

Gmail's HTML-based interface was introduced in 2007, and it brought with it a range of new features, including the ability to use JavaScript and CSS. This allowed for more complex and interactive interfaces.

The introduction of HTML in Gmail also enabled the use of web applications, which have become a staple of modern computing.

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Google is removing the Basic HTML view on all Gmail accounts starting in January 2024.

The Basic HTML view was introduced over 10 years ago to provide a simple and fast way to access Gmail on older or outdated devices with slower connection speeds.

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Google didn't provide a clear reason for removing the HTML view, but stated that it's a previous version that doesn't include full Gmail feature functionality.

The exact date for disabling the HTML view is unknown, but Gmail will automatically change to Standard view after January 2024.

This change has sparked conversations around digital accessibility, as the Basic HTML version is a preferred choice among visually impaired users for its compatibility with screen readers and simplified navigation.

Gmail always displays the "text/plain" version of an email if given the option to send both HTML and plain text.

In my test emails, "wicked" is neither bold nor italic because GMail chooses the "text/plain" version.

If you send out an email with no options, Gmail displays it as you would expect, with proper HTML formatting.

But if you send out an email with only an HTML formatted section, Gmail shows nothing at all.

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Gmail will be removing its Basic HTML view on all accounts starting in January 2024, replacing it with the Standard view.

This change is reportedly due to the Basic HTML view being a previous version of Gmail that was replaced over 10 years ago.

Gmail's HTML view option was introduced to load information quickly on older devices with slower connection speeds.

However, eliminating the simple HTML view was criticized for not accounting for the needs of the visually impaired.

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The discontinuation of the Basic HTML version of Gmail has sparked concerns around digital accessibility.

Visually impaired users preferred the Basic HTML version for its compatibility with screen readers and simplified navigation.

Pratik Patel, a blind technologist, expressed that many blind people use the HTML view in Gmail and will be confused and unhappy with the change.

Google has faced criticism for making the Basic HTML view less accessible in recent months.

The company maintains that it is committed to making accessibility a core consideration and highlights various accessibility features available in Gmail.

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Google's decision to remove the Basic HTML view from Gmail is a significant change that will affect many users. The company will disable the HTML view starting early January 2024.

The exact date for the removal is unknown, but users can still access the HTML view until January 2024. After this date, Gmail will automatically change to Standard view.

Google's decision to eliminate the HTML view was criticized for not accounting for the needs of visually impaired users. Pratik Patel, a blind technologist, argued against the decision on Mastodon, stating that many blind people rely on the HTML view.

Google did not provide a reason for removing the HTML view, but stated that it is a previous version of Gmail that was replaced by its modern successors over 10 years ago. The HTML view does not include full Gmail feature functionality.

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Gmail hard-wraps emails that are composed in plain text mode before sending them, which can be annoying when viewing such emails on small viewports, like a smartphone.

This behavior is especially frustrating when the auto-wrapping due to the small viewport results in multiple lines with just one word on them, making the email look cluttered and hard to read.

The hard-wrapping ensures no line is longer than 78 characters, which can make long emails look like they're written in a series of short, disconnected sentences.

The problem is particularly noticeable in plain text emails, which are often preferred for their simplicity and ease of use.

If you send a plain text email with a lot of text, like a long paragraph of Latin gibberish, you'll see the hard-wrapping in action, with lines breaking up in the middle of words.