Useful internet software, websites and blogsites.: Zenbe

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Zenbe - Email Evolved

Sent to you by Hemi via Google Reader:

Zenbe - Email Evolved

via MakeUseOf.com by Sam Guzmán on 11/17/08

Compared to other technologies on the web, email hasn't evolved much. Unfortunately for us, email providers are generally satisfied with the status quo but Zenbe wants to change that. Zenbe is an email startup begun by folks who were dissatisfied with the lack of innovation. The Zenbe team is dedicated to taking email into the future with new features and fresh ideas.

So what makes Zenbe different? There are a lot of things, but here are the highlights.

First, Zenbe helps you centralize. It helps you cut down on your account clutter by bringing together in one window your email, task lists, files, and calendar. You can also use Zenbe to manage all your email addresses. It allows you to send from any email address and downloads outside email messages via POP.

Second, Zenbe has awesome features. What other email client do you know of that allows you to use Twitter and check your Facebook updates while reading your latest email? That's just the beginning, though. Zenbe has a full featured calendar that includes support for iCal subscriptions, and, unlike some competitors (*cough* Google *cough*), the developers included task lists.

The file view is awesome, too. It takes all your email attachments and makes them available in their own separate tab. You can search, tag, star, or sort them by file type. Audio and video files can be played right in your browser, and images can be previewed in a neat lightbox.

In addition, Zenbe has partnered with Scribd for document previewing, so you can view documents without downloading them to your computer. You no longer have to email files to yourself, either, since Zenbe lets you upload files without emailing them. With 4GB of storage, there is plenty of space to use Zenbe as a repository for your important documents and media.

I've mentioned only some of Zenbe's features. There are many more, and everything - from the contact manager to the tagging system - is innovative.

The best part about Zenbe, though, is that it's still evolving. While other email providers will go months without any updates, Zenbe is constantly adding new features. For example, the Zenbe team is currently testing a unique conversation view, as well as an innovative "favorites inbox" that shows you emails from the people you care about most.

Zenbe really does have some of the best features I've seen in an email client. It incorporates them in an elegant way, too, so you aren't overwhelmed with clutter.

What about you? What features would you like to see in the inbox of the future? Let us know in the comments.

(By) Sam Guzmán is a college student studying English. In his spare time he enjoys writing, reading, and running his freelance business, Sam Guzmán web solutions. You can follow him on Twitter.

Enjoyed the article? Please leave a comment and tell us what you think about it

New here? Get your cheat sheets and freebies at MakeUseOf Downloads. Enjoy!