Google is rolling out Gmail Priority Inbox to all Gmail users this week, but it’s causing a (mildly entertaining) problem in Google Chrome already, which has meant that we, along with countless others, have opened our inboxes to the jaunty sound of some old ragtime type jazz. If this is you too, don’t worry, it’s not a virus, and yes, it is real.
Gmail Priority Inbox has been launched in beta today, and it’s got a curious bug, but only in Google’s own Chrome browser: Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer don’t seem to be affected.
The music is coming from the new Gmail Priority Inbox tab on the top right of the page, and should only be appearing if you’re in your Gmail Inbox in a Chrome browser. Click on the tab, and a video comes up. This video is the source of the music, even if it doesn’t actually appear to be playing. Switch it off, and you’re good to go, and the problem shouldn’t reappear if you reopen your browser.
In a discussion thread, Google says it is now aware of the problem and is working on fixing it.
If you can get past the old-time soundtrack, the Gmail Priority Inbox beta sorts your inbox using some nifty Google calculations that look at your usage to work out what’s most important. It sorts emails into an extra top tier inbox, which classifies emails by three categories: important and unread, starred and everything else.
Doug Aberdeen, a Google software engineer, said in a blog post: “In a way, Priority Inbox is like your personal assistant, helping you focus on the messages that matter without requiring you to set up complex rules.” It will learn as you use it, and so the more information you give it, the more accurate it will become.
Will you use it, or is that bug enough to turn you off Gmail Priority Inbox for life?
