As an avid Gmail user with multiple accounts, you know how cumbersome it can be to switch between all Google services every time. Constantly logging in and out, that should be more convenient. And you can, with Kiwi for Gmail. This software lets you manage all Google services within the same interface.
Kiwi for Gmail has been out for Mac computers for a while, and recently the software is also available for Windows. The program has a lot to offer, but the most important thing is that it is a nice home for all your different accounts. Don't let that feature be free. You can try Kiwi with multiple Gmail accounts for free for 30 days. After that it will cost you $9.99 per year. If you do not want to pay that, you will automatically scale back to the Lite version. Only one account can be linked to it.
Download and install Kiwi for Gmail
Download Kiwi for Gmail and launch the installation file. You will immediately notice that all kinds of shortcuts are placed on your desktop, which you can remove again if you want. First, you are presented with several introductory screens, highlighting all of Kiwi's features. Keep pressing Next until the program is actually installed.
Kiwi will now ask you to log in with your Gmail account. Do this with your usual email address and password. If you have two-step verification on, you also need to enter a code that will be sent by text message. Finally, press allow to give Kiwi access to your account. This is necessary so that the software can do its job as an email client.
You probably notice that several alarm bells are ringing with Gmail. For example, you will receive a message that you have logged in to your account with a new device, asking whether this is correct. Don't worry, this is all part of it and you can basically ignore it. After these steps, you'll find yourself in your trusted inbox, which basically works the same as Gmail in your browser.
Add and manage multiple accounts
Before we test Kiwi's features, let's add an extra Gmail account right away. After all, that's probably why you're considering this program in the first place. Click on the radar icon at the bottom left to access the settings. below Accounts you see Add Account to stand. As soon as you click on that, the login process will start again. Now go through this in the same way as before, but of course with a different account.
Once this is over, you will see two envelope icons at the top right. By clicking on it, you switch from one inbox to another. below Accounts you determine the color per tab/account, but more importantly: also from which account you want to receive notifications on your desktop and what sound that should make. By choosing a different sound for each account, you will immediately hear at which address you received an email.
Drive, Docs, Spreadsheets...
Well, what else can you do with Kiwi? Well, you'll also find shortcuts to your Drive files there, for example. On the left you see a vertical bar with all kinds of icons. From top to bottom: your inbox, your Google calendar and your contacts. Then your Google Drive, your Docs, Sheets and Slides. And below that: compose a new mail, create a new agenda appointment, create a new Doc, Spreadsheet or Presentation.
At the very bottom you see an icon of a moon, that is the do not disturbmode. Handy if you're going to watch a movie or play a game, without wanting to be disturbed by notifications of new emails.
You notice that each button opens a separate window. That is handy, because you can easily keep two documents next to each other or read an email while you have a spreadsheet open.
Kiwi tips and tricks
Finally, some tips. Kiwi is one of the few programs that does not start automatically after installation, while that is especially useful for this software. So go to Settings, General and check the option there Start on log on at.
Another advantage of the fact that Kiwi is a separate program that runs within Windows instead of Gmail in your browser, is that you can compose a new mail at any time by using the following keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Windows key + M. Kiwi does not have to be open to this, it works everywhere from Windows.
You can also quickly create a new Calendar appointment in this way. For that you use the hotkey Ctrl + Alt + Windows key + E.
