email-reader_skill

Overview

This skill lets an AI read, summarize, and send email using IMAP and SMTP. It provides unread summaries, important-mail alerts, and sending capabilities so users can manage messages through natural language. It supports common providers (Gmail, Outlook, QQ, NetEase) and can integrate with CLI tools for local control.

How this skill works

The skill connects to mailboxes via IMAP to list and read messages, and uses SMTP to send mail. It can summarize unread messages, classify importance, and generate suggested actions (reply, delete, mark). It uses configured account credentials or OAuth where available and can delegate mailbox commands to a local CLI like himalaya when present.

When to use it

• Ask to view or read inbox messages
• Request a summary of unread emails
• Send a new email or notification
• Check for important or time-sensitive messages
• Set periodic reminders to review mail

Best practices

• Store credentials in environment variables or a secrets manager; avoid plain-text passwords
• Prefer OAuth for providers that support it (e.g., Outlook, Gmail where available)
• Limit logs to metadata (sender, subject, timestamp); never log full credentials or message bodies
• Use granular account configuration so the skill only accesses approved mailboxes
• Confirm actions before sending or deleting messages to prevent accidental data loss

Example use cases

• Summarize all unread messages and highlight three highest-priority items
• Read the latest message from a specific sender and propose a short reply draft
• Send an email notification to a team with a generated summary of relevant messages
• Search the mailbox for messages matching a keyword and present concise results
• Set a daily reminder to review flagged or important emails