Gmail now offers support for tracking mail directly from the app

Continuing the string of improvements designed to make the Gmail client an indispensable tool, Google has enabled the option in the app to track parcels waiting for delivery.

Taking advantage of the fact that most courier companies inform their customers via email about the status of packages awaiting delivery, Google has added a dedicated package tracking feature, accessible directly from the Gmail interface. Specifically, the function displays real-time information such as the tracking number of parcels mentioned in incoming emails, centralising this information in an easy-to-follow interface. At the same time, the platform’s algorithms can predict key milestones such as estimated delivery time and possible delays, including the relevant information in the notification stream about newly received emails.

So if an email contains a parcel tracking number, Gmail will display it as a priority right in the description of that message, complete with the estimated delivery date or other suggestive description such as ‘arrives tomorrow’ or ‘delivered.

When you open the message, you’ll also find information such as the product name and delivery dates, complete with the package description as added by the sender. The details will also include a timeline of the order’s progress, with direct links to “Track Package” and “Order Information”, displayed directly on the courier company’s website.

Of course, for this functionality to be available requires some level of cooperation between Google and the courier companies, who will need to take some steps to integrate this service with their own package tracking system. Thus, the accuracy of the information available may vary depending on the transport service used and the regions transited by the parcel.