XMail: Elon Musk says Gmail’s alternative Xmail is coming soon amidst rumors of Gmail shutdown
Daniel Levi
Posted On February 23, 2024
Elon Musk appears to be gearing up to introduce an alternative to Gmail in response to recent speculation suggesting that Google might be considering shutting down the popular email service. Addressing a question from Nate McGrady, a member of X’s Engineering and Security team, Musk hinted on Friday that his platform would soon offer its own email solution.
In a tweet posted on X (formerly Twitter), Nate asked, “When we making Xmail?” Musk’s simple yet impactful response, “It’s coming,” ignited excitement across the tech community. This announcement follows swirling rumors fueled by a manipulated image circulating on social media platforms, which suggested that Google could be phasing out Gmail.
It’s coming
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 23, 2024
Musk’s announcement of the forthcoming XMail launch was met with enthusiasm from users. One X user expressed eagerness to embrace the X email application, adding that “Google is woke & worthless.”
The user criticized Google’s search functionality, deeming it inferior even to alternatives like Bing, while also levying accusations of ineffectiveness and a misplaced emphasis on social justice issues against the tech giant.
“would definitely switch to an offering. No need anymore for Google. Their search functionality is worthless. Even Bing – BING! – has more relevant results. Google is woke & worthless,” the user said.
https://twitter.com/macewan/status/1760803841782460538
In a subsequent post, one of Elon Musk’s followers expressed a loss of trust in Gmail, declaring an intention to swiftly transition to XMail. Another commenter indicated a shift in email usage patterns, relegating Gmail to a role akin to that of Hotmail, primarily for handling junk correspondence.
“Absolutely, my Gmail is so full of junk and is due for a replacement. Added benefit….kick rocks google”
Absolutely, my Gmail is so full of junk and is due for a replacement. Added benefit….kick rocks google
— JGinMD (@JGinMD1) February 23, 2024
Meanwhile, recent viral activity on X raised concerns among netizens, sparked by a post asserting an imminent shutdown of Gmail. The post featured a screenshot of an email purportedly from Google titled ‘Google is sunsetting Gmail,’ causing a ripple effect across the internet. This triggered widespread panic as users grappled with the possibility of Gmail’s complete cessation.
GMail Sunsetting Hoax
The hoax reports were followed by reports from users on Hacker News who claimed to have received an email from Google about the end of the “HTML Gmail.”
“We’re writing to let you know that the Gmail Basic HTML view for desktop web and mobile web will be disabled starting early January 2024. The Gmail Basic HTML views are previous versions of Gmail that were replaced by their modern successors 10+ years ago and do not include full Gmail feature functionality,” the email reads.
The alleged message read, “After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close. As of August 1, 2024, Gmail will officially be sunsetted, marking the end of its service.” The communication further elaborated on the decision, citing considerations of the evolving digital landscape and a commitment to delivering innovative solutions.
This post generated considerable controversy, amassing over 4 million views of the screenshot. Skepticism emerged, with some users questioning the authenticity of the document and suspecting a potential hoax.
Elon Musk’s recent announcement regarding the development of XMail comes amidst this backdrop of uncertainty. The tech billionaire, who previously hinted at transforming X into an “Everything App” similar to China’s WeChat, appears poised to expand his platform’s functionalities beyond its traditional social media roots.
Last July, Musk initiated the rebranding of Twitter to ‘X,’ accompanied by the replacement of its iconic bird logo. This strategic move aligns with Musk’s ambitious vision of reshaping the platform into a multifaceted hub, signaling potential shifts in the digital landscape and the tech industry at large.
