Google Unveils “Gmailify” Offering Gmail To Non-Gmail Accounts

Updated on

For Yahoo and Outlook users who want to use Gmail’s mail management features and Google Now integration, the company as launched “Gmailify” so you can be a Gmail user without a Gmail account.

“Gmailify” goes live

For about the last year, Google has allowed Android users the option to use the mobile app for Gmail to manage non-Gmail accounts, notably, Yahoo and Outlook. Now “Gmailify” is taking that a step further. So in addition to being able to manage your @Yahoo.com, @Hotmail.com, or @Outlook.com accounts, you’ll be able to do so as if these accounts were on Google’s servers. That means that Google Now integration has arrived along with spam protection and other features.

Users of those accounts will have to opt-in, but it’s quite easy as Google explained in a blog post today:

We agree. So starting today, if you use Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail/Outlook.com, you now have the option to Gmailify your inbox. Gmailify links your existing account to Gmail so that you get all the bells and whistles—spam protection, inbox organization and even Google Now cards based on your mail—without having to leave your current address behind. All you need to do is open the Gmail app, sign in to your email account(s), and enable Gmailify. And of course, you’re always in control—so if you ever change your mind, you can unlink your account(s) at any time, and continue to access them through the Gmail app without using Gmailify.

According to the post, you’ll also have your non-Gmail emails organized as Gmail users’ accounts are with the inbox split between Social, Updates, and Promotions. Gmailify also allows you to use Gmail’s email search as well as automatically plugging your travel plans into Google Now.

Not unique to Gmail

Gmail promises to add other email providers to this “Gmailfy” service.

Just last December, Yahoo announced a sort of reverse “Gmailify” by allowing users to manage their Gmail accounts through its mobile email app. Microsoft’s Outlook has offered an import tool for Gmail accounts for some time as well.

It could be argued that the move from Google today is no simple coincidence as Microsoft’s Outlook.com is also coming out of preview today.

 

 

Leave a Comment