It seems like it has been ages since Google rolled out any interface changes to the web version of its popular email service Gmail.

The company created a new service, Google Inbox, instead but has not really done a whole lot to it in recent time.

Sneak peeks of a new Gmail design made the rounds last week but it was not clear when and if Google would roll it out to all users of the service.

It appears that the time has come, at least in form of a preview that all users of Gmail may activate to check out the new interface.

Here is what you need to do right now to activate the new interface (or go back to the old interface):

1. Open the Gmail website. Sign in to your Gmail account if you have not done so already.
2. Click on the Settings icon (the cogwheel) in the web interface.
3. Locate the "Try the new Gmail" link in the top right corner of the inbox and click on it.

Repeat the process and select "Go back to classic Gmail" instead of "Try the new Gmail" in the last step to restore the old version of Gmail's interface.

Note: The feature is rolled out today. You may not have access to it yet.

The new Gmail: what is new?

The first thing that you will notice is the new design of Gmail. Major interface elements are still where they used to be on Gmail when you activate the new design but they look different than before.

The search is still at the top, the compose button at the top of the sidebar, and the various folders and labels are also still displayed in the sidebar.

Emails are still divided into tabs but Google added some comfortable options to interact with emails faster.

Attachments are accessible from within the inbox so that you don't need to open the email before you get a chance to access them. Actions are displayed when you hover over emails which you may use to archive, delete, snooze or mark as read right from the inbox.

Gmail reminds you of emails that you may want to reply to or follow up on as well now in the inbox. You see yellow text next to emails to remind you to reply. The texts read "Received X days ago. Reply?" and "Sent Y days ago. Follow up?"

The compose window supports smart reply functionality now which lets you pick computer generated responses to emails to avoid having to type those manually.

The interface features new alerts that warn you of potentially risky emails (e.g. This message seems dangerous. It might be trying to steal your personal information. Don't click any links unless you trust the sender)

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The new Gmail features a new confidential mode that removes options to "forward, copy, download, or print messages". Users may set expiration dates for messages next to that.

Developing. I will update the article as soon as I get access to the new Gmail interface.