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Why Gmail is still in Beta?

This is one of the most frequent question I've received in the past months and (because I'm not a Google worker ) my answer was only a supposition: better testing or maybe trying to release the final Gmail version with a new and more complete Google suite (Instant Messaging, browser etc.)?

No... the answer seems not be these. According to this article on TechUser, seems that part of the reason why Gmail is invite-only and still in beta is because Google is waiting for patent the idea of scanning emails and serving advertisements based on email contents.

What could happen to other email services if this happens? The Webmail war is really fascinating...

Print | posted on Monday, November 15, 2004 8:46 AM

Comments on this post

# re: Why Gmail is still in Beta?

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I've heard (no, I don't work for google, nor do I know anyone who does) that they are keeping components in beta that they don't have a clear revenue model for yet. It is my understanding that that is why their news site is still in beta because if it's categorized as a "beta" then they can justify it not making any $$$ from it.

As for gmail, it still is relatively new so I guess there is still the argument that they are working on kinks but I don't see any reason why their news site is still "beta".

-Joe
Left by Joe on Nov 15, 2004 11:37 AM

# re: Why Gmail is still in Beta?

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GMail isn't ready for prime-time yet. Outages are still too frequent, new features (and processes) pop up every week or so and do not appear across the board (i.e. in every inbox) for days (or more). GMail is definitely still in beta
Left by Shannon J Hager on Nov 16, 2004 8:26 AM

# re: Why Gmail is still in Beta?

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It is a good service and until this weekend it has work perfectly.
Left by Mat on Feb 28, 2005 2:15 PM

# re: Why Gmail is still in Beta?

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It is now 2008 and Gmail is still in beta!!!
Left by Gmail Beta Inc. on Jan 10, 2008 5:41 PM

# replica jewelry

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It is now 2008 and Gmail is still in beta!!!
Left by replica jewelry on Apr 29, 2010 4:17 AM

# re: Why Gmail is still in Beta?

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e worker ) my answer was only a supposition: better testing or maybe trying to release the final Gmail version with a new and more complete Google suite (Instant Messaging, browse
Left by wholesale laptop adapter on May 23, 2010 2:36 PM

# re: Why Gmail is still in Beta?

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As for gmail, it still is relatively new so I guess there is still the argument that they are working on kinks but I don't see any reason why their news site is still "beta".
Left by clothing manufacturer on Mar 28, 2011 4:48 PM

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