Gmail now features automatic message translation

Users of Google's Gmail service can now benefit from the automatic translation of their messages into other languages. Google Translate product manager Jeff Chin said this was one of three products they introduced, the two others being smart mute and title tweaks. "Since message translation was one of the most popular labs, we decided it was time to graduate from Gmail Labs and move into the real world. Over the next few days, everyone who uses Gmail will be getting the convenience of translation added to their email," Chin said in a blog post. "The next time you receive a message in a language other than your own, just click on Translate message in the header at the top of the message and it will be instantly translated into your language," he added. He said they learned from Google Apps for Business users that automatic translation was a killer feature for working with local teams across the world. Chin said some people just wanted to easily read newsletters from abroad, while another person wrote in to tell how he set up his mom’s Gmail to translate everything into her native language. To activate the feature, one can click on the down arrow next to Reply at the top-right of the message pane and select the Translate message option in the drop-down, Chin said. Title tweaks Chin said this feature allows one to change the text in the browser tab so one can more easily see if one has new messages. The tab can read "Inbox (20) – user@example.com – Gmail" instead of "Gmail – Inbox (20) – user@example.com.” The Smart Mute has been improved such that "noisy" email threads stay out of the inbox. Meanwhile, Chin said the Gmail team will be retiring some less popular labs over the next few days. These include Old Snakey, Mail Goggles, Mouse Gestures, Hide Unread Counts, Move Icon Column, Inbox Preview, Custom Date Formats and SMS in Chat gadget. — LBG, GMA News