Google Rebrands Keyboard Android App To Gboard [VIDEO]

Google has made a new update to its Keyboard. It is the default keyboard on Nexus, Pixel, and some other Android phones, it was also renamed to Gboard. Yes it sounds familiar because it is the name of an existing keyboard that Google released on iOS earlier this year.

Google brought a new application called Gboard to iOS in May 2016, which gave users the ability to perform Google searches directly from the keyboard app. Google promised Gboard would make its way to Android someday, good news to android users as the app is already here.

Instead of coming to the Play Store as a stand-alone application, Gboard replaces Google Keyboard in the new version 6.0 update.

It is reported by Digital trends that, the most interesting addition to the app is the "G button", which can be enabled in the application's settings menu. A small menu pops up with quick access to themes, one-handed mode and the settings menu with just a tap. In previous version, a user will need to long-press on the comma to get to the settings menu.

The arrow on the top left side of the keyboard, if tapped, provides five options namely: Google Search, access to keyboard settings, access to keyboard themes, one-handed mode, and voice input.

It allows a user to perform a Google search and also share search results. This is a much needed improvement as it cancels the need to exit working application in search of information. Gesture typing has also been renamed Glide typing.

The search function allows users to add Knowledge Graph cards. Gboard lets you throw the result into a conversation. This also applies to sharing news stories and YouTube video links. A user can simply tap on the emoji icon to search for emojis. GIF search is also available, but users need to be on Android Nougat for it to work properly, according to Audio Authority.

The update adds the ability to permanently display a number row above the keyboard for users who type numbers often. The Gboard update and rebranding is currently available on Google play store. It also adds multi-language support. A user can now type in up to three different languages without having to manually switch between modes.

Other than the above mentioned updates, the keyboard still functions the exact same way as it always has, it is just a lot smarter now. Google is yet to reveal an official change-log for the update, which invariably means that there might be much more in store for users.