Google announces Inbox: A more intelligent way to handle email

Google today announced a new take on email, dubbed Inbox. The free app/service includes reminders, bundles similar messages together and highlights important messages. Inbox looks like a cross between Mailbox and Google Now.

An Assists feature attaches relevant information, such as telephone numbers, opening hours and maps, to your reminders and emails.

Inbox is invite-only at the moment, but you can request one from inbox@google.com or get one from a friend who has invites to spare. The service will be available on the Web (Chrome only), iOS 7+ and Android 4.1+. Versions for tablets and other modern browsers are also in the works.

Google doesn’t intend for Inbox to replace Gmail. Actions you take in either product will show up in the other. Inbox uses your existing Gmail and Google usernames.