14 DAY TRIAL // The holidays are coming and the playful mood has taken over Google as well. It is debuting a new feature for Gmail, Scribbles, available only in the mobile version of the app.
Scribbles surfaced in the updated version of the iOS Gmail app, but it is now available in the web app as well, as long as you're using an iOS or Android phone or tablet.
The feature, which enables you to 'scribble' something on the screen, is a perfect fit for touch-enabled devices.
"From prehistoric humans etching in caves to the modern-day thinker sketching a stroke of genius on a napkin, scribbling is a natural form of human expression," Donna Dupuis, software engineer at Google, explains the drive behind the feature.
"Not constrained by formatting or font styles, scribbling is a versatile outlet for expressing individuality and creativity. Not to mention it's a lot of fun," she added.
Users that have installed the iPhone and iPad Gmail app have already had the chance to play around with the tool. But you don't need the app, you can simply go to the Gmail site with a mobile browser and you'll find it there too.
"Now you can quickly convey that eureka moment to a colleague, or simply brighten a loved one's day with a personal scribble in Gmail for the mobile web browser and the Gmail app for iOS," Google explained.
"In the compose view, click on the scribble button to open up the drawing window. A lightweight interface makes it easy to get your idea down," it said.
The tool comes just in time for the holidays, so this year, instead of sending the regular email or ecard, you could scribble down your own custom postcard to attach to the message.
The feature works with any iOS4+, Android 3.1+ or Playbook device. You can also send your creations to Google and they may be showcased.