What is Gmail’s predictive functionality?
The predictive back feature aims to improve the user experience by showing a preview of the home screen when the user swipes back from the edge of the screen, mimicking the gesture used to close an app.
According to a report by 9to5Google, this up-to-date feature has received positive user feedback, with the report stating: “The up-to-date Predictive Back feature has been shown to outperform current end-user experiences in terms of task performance, preference, satisfaction, confidence and superior quality.”
How does the look back feature work?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how this feature works:
- Make sure you have the latest version of the Gmail app installed on your Android device.
- Open the email in the Gmail app.
- Swipe back from the left or right edge of the screen.
- Instead of closing the email immediately, you’ll see it shrink to a window with rounded corners overlaid on your inbox screen.
- This window gives you a preview of where swiping back will take you, allowing you to confirm your action before leaving the email.
Matching with other Google apps
The rollout of this feature in Gmail is part of Google’s efforts to improve user interactions and prevent accidental exits from the app. Although the system’s Predictive Back feature has not yet been activated, Gmail users can operate the feature within the app, improving their overall email browsing experience.
Additionally, this Gmail implementation is compatible with similar implementations in other Google apps, such as the schedule or day view in Google Calendar and the spreadsheet overflow feature in YouTube Music.
This up-to-date feature is available in Gmail for devices running Android 14, including Pixel and Samsung devices. Users can expect more improvements and features as Google continues to improve the app.
