MailTime rethinks the email interface rather than replacing email itself. Instead of a mailbox full of threaded messages with headers, signatures and quoted text, it strips a conversation down to readable chat bubbles so you can scan a thread and reply quickly. Because it still sends and receives ordinary email, no one on the other end needs to install anything or change their habits — to them your message looks like a normal email.
One app handles multiple accounts, so personal Gmail, work Outlook and an iCloud address can sit side by side without switching between clients. The product is built by Mobile Internet Limited (Hong Kong), which came out of Y Combinator's Winter 2016 batch, and has been recognised by the App Store, TechCrunch Disrupt and MWC 4YFN award programmes. It is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Japanese.
On privacy, MailTime states that it complies with GDPR and offers in-app controls to opt in or out of data sharing. It is positioned for people who find traditional email clients heavy and want a lighter, more conversational way to keep up with correspondence on a phone.
