Google trusts users with the Gmail testing reins

Google has launched a version of its Labs development programme for Google Mail, allowing users to test new applications for the email service.

This is a new approach for Google, which until now has tested products internally before launching them.

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Google Mail Labs allows users to try out a number of apps - currently 13 - and then share feedback with the developers and other users.

In a Google Mail blog posting, product manager Keith Coleman, said the new approach is about gauging the level of interest in applications that the company may not have developed through its established processes.

Coleman wrote: "The idea behind Labs is that any engineer can go to lunch, come up with a cool idea, code it up, and ship it as a Labs feature."

Apps include a bookmark section called Quick Links, which allows you to link to important messages and frequent searches.

Email Addict blocks the screen for 15 minutes and makes you 'invisible' on Google Mail IM to encourage people to take a screen break.

There is also a system that allows you to customise your keyboard keys within Google Mail and an app that lets you navigate using mouse gestures. For example, holding the right button down and moving the mouse to the left switches to the user's previous conversation window.

Users can enable and disable any number of the applications in the domain settings section in their Gmail account.

Google Mail Labs is only available to UK and US users currently. The most popular apps will eventually be integrated into Google Mail while the less successful ones will be phased out.