Along with its Android 5.0 Lollipop release, Google is delivering a brand new and completely redesigned Gmail app for Android. Here's a quick first look. In my first impressions of Google’s Nexus 9 tablet, I neglected to mention one aspect of the Android 5.0 software that really jumps out at you at first glance: a brand new Gmail app that follows the Lollipop design aesthetic. Yup — even with all the focus on its new Inbox app right now, Google is giving some TLC to its tried-and-true traditional email interface. The new Gmail app for Android has a fresh Material Design look, complete with bright colors, slick animations, and that telltale floating action button at the bottom-right corner of the screen. On the Nexus 9, at least, the app uses a multi-paneled view that shows an expandable account and labels area at left and a large message list at right. In landscape orientation, meanwhile, you can view individual message content while still seeing the message list and expandable label pane. Also of note, the app now supports Gmail and Google Apps accounts along with external IMAP and POP accounts and Exchange accounts. The old standalone Email app actually still shows up in the app drawer, but if you try to open it, you see a message directing you to Gmail instead. Last but not least, the Gmail notification now sports a stacked-message icon whenever you have multiple new emails awaiting — a nice at-a-glance indication that more than one new message is on deck. The notification icon for a single message, at top, and multiple messages, at bottom So there you have it — a quick first look at what’s new with Google’s new Android Gmail app, as seen on the Nexus 9. For more on the tablet itself, be sure to click over to my full Nexus 9 first impressions. And for more on Lollipop in general, check out my in-depth Android 5.0 FAQ. Whatever you do, don’t go far. It’s gonna be a busy few weeks here in AndroidLand, and there’s lots more ahead. Related content news analysis Why Google's Pixel 8a may be the most important phone of 2024 Don't be fooled: This unassuming midranger holds some outsized significance for Android and for you — regardless of whether you ever intend to buy it. By JR Raphael May 08, 2024 12 mins Smartphones Google Android tip 13 tricks for more efficient Android messaging Save time and communicate more effectively with these easy-to-miss advanced options for Google's Android Messages app. By JR Raphael May 01, 2024 18 mins Smartphones Google Mobile Apps news analysis The unspoken obnoxiousness of Google's Gemini improvements Google's Gemini chatbot is seeing all sorts of upgrades on Android this week, but those advancements reveal a darker underlying reality. By JR Raphael Apr 26, 2024 12 mins Google Assistant Google Android tip A crafty new Android notification power-up This simple enhancement will make your Android notifications more useful and less annoying — with about 60 seconds of one-time setup. By JR Raphael Apr 24, 2024 7 mins Google Mobile Apps Android Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe