Gmail to add package tracking feature ahead of shopping season

With new tracking features, Gmail hopes to assist American consumers throughout the impending holiday shopping season.

Users may see a "simple" view of packaging and delivery information in their inbox, according to Google.

Gmail will show the delivery status for orders with tracking numbers in the inbox view list and in a summary card at the top of each email.

Most significant U.S. shipping providers will offer package tracking, which will include information such as predicted arrival information and status.

To receive tracking updates, users can choose to do so via their Gmail settings or from their inbox.

Using tracking numbers, Gmail will automatically check the status of your orders and display the results in your inbox.

Through settings, users can withdraw their consent at any time.

Google professed that the changes are meant to help people manage their time.

"We also know how it feels to be waiting on a package, only to discover that it was delayed. In the coming months, Gmail will help eliminate some of that surprise. It’ll proactively show a delay label and bring the email to the top of your inbox so you don’t miss a beat (or a package)," Google said, noting that there would be new features to come in Gmail. 

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