Google is testing an updated Gmail user interface (UI) prior to a significant overhaul that will make the desktop version of Gmail more closely resemble its mobile counterpart.

Tech website Geek.com said the updated Gmail interface, based on leaked images it obtained, looks a lot like the new mobile Gmail UI currently under development.

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In the new UI, "pins" are expected to replace the traditional stars to mark important messages. According to Geek.com, there are also "reminder creation bubbles" located on the right hand bottom of the screen.

These bubbles are nearly identical to those that other sources reported seeing that are being developed for future Google products. Analysts said this is a key shift in how new functions are created within mobile and desktop apps.

A brand-new menu system will replace the static sidebar consisting of the Inbox, Starred, Sent Mail, among others. Google's tabbed email system will also be ditched and will be transformed into a grouped in the inbox section that automatically sorts email by topics such as Travel, Purchases, Finance, Social, Updates, Forums and Promos.

"It's a simple UI tool that lets you store multiple unfinished messages or reminders in a sort of To Do list if you are so inclined," said Geek.com.

Some pundits, however, believe there's no clear indication that Google plans to roll out its new UI to the mass market any time soon.

Others believe the move to a single if not almost barely distinguishable Gmail UI for both the desktop and mobile hews to Google's worldview that sees its products as a single entity.

Matias Duarte, the user-experience chief for Android, previously let slip that Google needs to stop thinking of mobile as a distinct category. He pointed out that desktop, mobile, in-vehicle, and wearables should be considered "as one design problem-as one product."

Tagstechnology, Gmail