Google has announced a new feature on Gmail: changing the user's username but retaining the address "@gmail.com". It was finally here-a great development that many users had been begging for over quite some time.
Why the Feature Matters
Many users created Gmail accounts years ago, with random or temporary usernames. In retrospect, they did not envision the long-term implications. Since Gmail would not allow username changes, there were only two choices for users. They either continued using the old address or created a new account and lost continuity. The new option removes this problem.
How Username Change Works
- The option has appeared on Google's support page. Users can choose a new username but stick with the same Gmail account. Google will continue to treat the updated address as the same account. Only the username will change. All the existing data will be kept intact, which includes emails, photos, messages, among other account content.
- In other words, one account can possess two usernames now, just like a person having two names.
Limitations and Availability
- There are some limitations, though. The service requires a user to wait for a period of one year before he or she can change the username again. Google also permits only three username changes per account.
- This, however, is not a feature all users yet have. Google seems to be doing some kind of staged rollout. It might take some users a couple of days until it shows in their account.
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