I don’t really have the need for shortened URLs in emails but I’m sure they can come in handy. What I really like about this gadget is that I do use shortened URLs for Twitter quite a bit. When that occassion arises I have to open a new tab, go to a URL etc. It’s a bit of a hassle.
On the other hand, I almost always have Gmail open in one of my tabs so now when I need a shortened URL whether it be for an email or Twitter or Facebook, I can just pop over to my Gmail tab and use the handy new bit.ly gadget.
To install the Bit.ly gadget—which just adds a Bit.ly URL shortener module to Gmail’s sidebar—you have to have “Gadgets by URL” enabled in Gmail’s Labs section. Then, in the Gadgets tab in Settings, add this URL:
http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/107368512201818821991/bitly-shortener.xml
Once Gmail refreshes you should see the bit.ly gadget in your sidebar.
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