Email users can schedule appointments directly within their inbox, thanks to Gmail's new one-click booking feature.
In an effort to make scheduling more efficient and convenient for its users, Gmail has integrated Google Calendar into its email client. This new feature allows users to share appointment booking pages directly within emails, eliminating the need to juggle between multiple tabs.
The new inclusion, announced in an accompanying Workspace post by Google, facilitates real-time appointment booking and streamlines scheduling by embedding a mini Google Calendar panel directly within the Gmail interface.
Key features enabling this include real-time availability display, direct appointment booking within Gmail, customizable appointment settings, syncing and managing bookings, and integration with other apps.
Users can see open time slots when they are free, making it easy to offer up-to-date appointment times. This prevents double-booking and scheduling conflicts. Invitees or colleagues can book appointments by choosing from the available slots shown in real time, all from the Gmail window.
Users can specify appointment duration, add buffers between meetings, and set automated reminders, ensuring appointments run smoothly. All appointments booked through Gmail are automatically added and updated in Google Calendar in real time, enabling seamless workflow without manual entry.
The system can connect with CRMs and other productivity tools to streamline contact updates and automate workflows around scheduling.
This integration aims to reduce back-and-forth emails and streamline scheduling. Users can insert the selected booking page into the email draft, making it easier for them to share real-time appointment slots and book meetings without leaving Gmail.
The rollout for the new Gmail feature has already started for Rapid Release domains this week. For those using Scheduled Release domains, the rollout will begin on July 28.
Some select features for appointment scheduling are only available with paid subscriptions, such as viewing different types of appointments, automatic email reminders, and others. However, the basic appointment scheduling feature is available for all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.
Recently, Gmail has also received the ability to use AI assistant Gemini to summarize long emails and turn them into quick reads. Previously, Gmail also gained the ability to react to emails with the help of emojis. With these latest additions, Gmail continues to evolve and provide users with a more efficient and convenient email experience.
The mini Google Calendar panel embedded within the Gmail interface enables users to book appointments in real-time, making scheduling more seamless and eliminating the need to switch between multiple tabs. This integration of technology further enhances Gmail's gadgets, allowing for efficient appointment management without leaving the email client.
