Google started a trend a few years ago, where everything they released was a beta. This meant that you could use the software as you like, but at your own risk. If you stored data in GMail while it was in beta, you cannot hold GMail/Google responsible if it gets lots, errased or causes any damage to anyone or anything.

Well, more than 3 years later, Gmail version 2 has been released, but still has the beta label. The general public has no problem with it being in beta, and most of them probably don't even know the implications of beta software. I'm not very concerned either... I've had gmail account with them for just about 3 years and haven't lost anything.

So, what does version 2 do for us? Depends how you look at it - If you want performance, and have a broadband connection, you'll get it, if you want a gorgeous shiny interface with eye candy everywhere, I think we'll have to wait for version 3...maybe!!

Here are a short list of tweaks that went into the new release as reported by Inside Google:

• A new JavaScript backend for Gmail that will speed up performance, a big help for those who feel Gmail has gotten too slow.
• Email messages will be prefetched, so that when you click on them they will have already been downloaded, and will load instantly. When reading a message, you can click Next, Next, Next, and there’s no lag, speeding through a ton of messages instantly. You can even hold down the key and your mail flies by.
• A new contact manager will launch, integrating accross multiple Google products (including Docs and Calendar).
• More integration with other Google Products, such as opening email attachments in the appropriate Google Docs application.
• Looks exactly like Gmail does today, but under the hood it’s completely different.
• It should really shine “on the new MacBook Pros and the newest version of Safari”, taking advantage of new browser technology. Relevant information for a small market segment, but what about the rest of us?
• Uses the same text editor from Page Creator and Google Groups.

As you can see, nothing that the general public will really notice.

My GMail account hasn't been upgraded yet, because Google will slowly propagate the new version across it's server farm over the next little while. So if you don't see a change in email load times, or don't see the new contact manager, you probably haven't been updated yet. Sit tight... It will happen soon.

Here are few other links talking about the big release.

• Inside Google (Videos and more)
• Google System (Lots of screenshots)
• Guardian Unlimited - Article 1 & Article 2