HTML Basic View Mode to be Shut Down by Google, Leaving Fans Fuming

Google has announced that it will be discontinuing a much-loved feature on Gmail, and fans are not happy about it. From January 2024, users of Gmail's HTML Basic View mode will no longer have access to this option. This change means that Gmail will only be available in the Standard view as a default option, according to a notice on Google's support page.

What is HTML Basic View and Why is it Popular?

HTML Basic View is a simplified version of Gmail's interface, resembling what the platform looked like back in 2007. It is particularly popular among users with slow Wi-Fi connections, as it does not require the loading of certain features found in the Standard view, such as the chat box, spell check, or contact importing. The feature has also been praised by the blind and partially sighted community for its compatibility with screen reader technology, making it easier for them to access their emails.

A Blow to Accessibility

Blind technology expert Pratik Patel has expressed his concerns about the discontinuation of HTML Basic View. In a Mastodon post, Patel stated that many blind people rely on the feature and will be both confused and unhappy about its removal. While the Standard interface has improved accessibility for blind users, some still prefer the familiarity and simplicity of the HTML Basic version. Patel argues that not everyone will be able to adapt to the Standard interface, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessibility options.

'Big Tech' Rowing Back on Accessibility

Patel's comments sparked a discussion among Mastodon users, who pointed out that this is just one example of "Big Tech" retracting accessibility features. While Patel acknowledges that the Standard interface is accessible and has been using it for years, he believes that it poses a higher cognitive load compared to the HTML interface. Some users claim that Gmail has been gradually pushing HTML Basic users to the Standard view in recent months, making the discontinuation seem inevitable.

A Silver Lining?

Despite the impending discontinuation, Patel has suggested a workaround for fans who want to continue using HTML Basic View. He advises users to bookmark the link that leads directly to the HTML version, bypassing the need to access Gmail through a web link or app. However, there is no guarantee that this link will remain available beyond January 2024, as Google may choose to remove it from the support page.

As fans voice their disappointment, it remains to be seen whether Google will reconsider its decision or introduce alternative accessibility options for Gmail users.