GOOGbye, Email Addresses, Phone Numbers | Re/code

GOOGbye, Email Addresses, Phone Numbers | Re/code: OMG strangers! was just one of many strong reactions to the news that Google was opting Gmail users in to a confusing new feature. Here’s how it works: Google users that you have added to a G circle (its version of following) will be able to message you in Gmail without needing your email address. These messages will look like email, but will appear in a Social tab, not your main inbox. Within Gmail, you can disable this feature completely or open it to all G users, depending on whether you’re an Inbox Zero or Inbox Million type of person.