eNews
Google lets users change Gmail usernames without losing data
MUMBAI: Google has begun rolling out a long-awaited feature that allows users to change their primary @gmail.com address without creating a new account or losing years of stored data, purchases and history. The update marks a sharp break from Google’s earlier stance, which treated Gmail usernames as permanent.
According to updated support documentation, eligible users can now replace their existing @gmail.com address with a new one, while keeping all services intact, including Google Drive, Photos and purchase records. The old address is not discarded; it is automatically converted into an alias, ensuring emails sent to either address land in the same inbox and both credentials remain valid for sign-in.
The company has built in guardrails to curb misuse. Users can change their Gmail address only once every 12 months, though they can revert to the original address at any time. Google has also cautioned that third-party services using “sign in with Google”, as well as Chromebooks and Chrome Remote Desktop, may require re-authentication after the switch.
The feature is being released gradually and may not yet be visible to all users. Those wishing to check eligibility can do so via the personal information section of their Google Account settings. Accounts managed by employers, schools or other organisations are excluded unless approved by administrators.
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eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
