Google recently introduced a new application for iOS devices known as the Gboard keyboard. The new app features the powerful Google search right into the keyboard of the user’s mobile device.
The Gboard keyboard was initially rumored to be in development early in 2016. The app provides added convenience and accessibility for users via its features.
“We wanted to bring the best of Google to Gboard, so you’ll see Maps, Translate, image and video search, News and others. Initially, Gboard will not surface any information specific to you,” said Rajan Patel, head of Gboard keyboard product development team. He also suggested that they are currently working on a personalized keyboard which may release in the near future.
What Gboard Does
According to TechCrunch, the Gboard keyboard makes it easier to use Google search, provides quick access to common keyboard functions like word predictions and emojis, gives access to GIFs, features swipe-based typing for single-hand operation and offers direct integration various Google services.
The app supports GIF search. Google collaborated with Riffsy to enhance predefined GIF groups, although GIF search is still done via Google search. To search for GIFs, users can tap on the emoji icon on the Gboard keyboard. There is also a button that leads users to the GIF search section.
Using Gboard for iPhone
To use the Gboard keyboard, users have to tap the G icon without having to exit their keyboard and launching an internet browser or the Google app. The easy access allows users to immediately search for various information such as the weather, schedules, news, businesses and people. The information can be tapped to paste into chat. Users will be required to give the Gboard keyboard access to their location, the first time that they launch it. The information will be available at the bottom of the screen, laid out in a card style, with each listing having its own card.
When the information is tapped, the details on the card will immediately show in the conversation, notepad, email or anywhere on the mobile device at the time. The information will be pasted as hyperlinked text, so users can do further tasks like search the web, draw the listing in Google Maps or call.
Users can also tap on the Paste button via the Edit menu of the iOS to copy the card, which will be an image, and not hyperlinked. The information will be shown in an attractive manner, together with other details.
More updates and details on the Gboard keyboard are expected soon.
