Google brings the best of Gmail to third-party providers

Gmail on Android. Photo: Google

Gmail on Android. Photo: Google

Gmail’s spam protection and intuitive message organization features make it one of the best email providers around, and now you can get it all without a Gmail address.

Google is making it possible to “Gmailify” third-party mail services so you get the best of what Gmail has to offer without losing your existing address.

“Gmailify links your existing account to Gmail so that you get all the bells and whistles—spam protection, inbox organization and even Google Now cards based on your mail—without having to leave your current address behind,” explains Google.

Only Yahoo Mail and Outlook are supported right now, but Google says other providers will be added later on. To Gmailify your inbox, simply download the Gmail app on Android, sign in with your existing mail account, then link it with Gmail from within the settings menu.

Your emails will then be organized into Gmail-style categories (social, updates, promotions, etc.), and you’ll be able to find them faster with improved search. Google also promises better notifications on mobile, and great spam protection.