Google has announced via Workspace Updates that it’s begun updating the Gmail app on Android, adding “chips” to aid with searches. For example, you’ll be able to do things like narrow results by name or a specific date. According to the announcement, “Search filters can be used independently or post-search, helping you choose filtering options from rich drop-down lists.” “Chips” are those little pull-down menus that you can use to adjust search criteria and, hopefully, make it simpler to find exactly what you’re looking for. In this case you can type in whatever search term you want, then use the “chips” to narrow things down even further. It’s been fairly useful for the desktop version of Gmail, and will definitely be welcome on Android. Hopefully there are plans to add it to iOS, as well. Android Police has pointed out that the update is likely happening on the server side of Gmail, so you don’t necessarily have to update the app to access it. You just have to wait until the feature eventually appears for you, really. This update won’t require any additional setup for admins or general users, either. The new filter options will simply appear below the search bar once the change has been implemented. The extended rollout for the new Gmail Android app update already has begun, and is expected to finish by the end of October.
