There’s something seemingly futile about discussing language options; after all, anyone who’s reading this article already understands English. Still, we’re somewhat excited to report that Google is releasing a new version of Gmail in 37 languages.
“As we first announced when we launched in English, this version, available for IE7 and Firefox 2, has an entirely new code base, which allows us to add new features more rapidly and share components with other Google applications . . .” writes Robby Stein on the Official Gmail Blog.
So a great deal of the world should, in effect, gain access to a faster and more interesting email service. Also, in the event that you speak English as a second (or third or fourth) language, Stein adds, “[Y]ou can now change your default language from the Settings menu to take advantage of a bunch of features that have recently launched in your preferred language . . .”
Google’s better than most companies about translating its creations into non-English languages; this development continues the trend. One thing the search giant wants to avoid, though, is “bricking” anyone’s email – the thought would count less at that point – and Stein points out that third-party Gmail extensions may not get along too well with the new update.
By the way, the number 37 should soon rise to 41 – Google can’t be counted on to make a separate announcement, but it’s also working on new Gmail versions in Icelandic, Hebrew, Croatian, and Arabic.
