It's quite ironic that Google first released the Gboard to the iOS instead of their native Android. But then again, everything's fine and dandy on the other side as the keyboard is finally available as an update on the existing Google Keyboard.
9to5 Google mentioned that the Gboard for Android will bring all functions found on the iOS, including gesture typing, GIFs, direct searching and sharing. In addition, the Android version of the Gboard will retain the "Android-y look" of the Mountain View's own Keyboard app alongside "all the same functionality" in the process.
The update, according to Ars Technica, will also move the current Google Keyboard 5.2 to Gboard 6.0. In addition, the latter version will tag "a bunch of nice non-Google features" such as emoji search, and permanently placing the number row on the text field. Likewise, Gboard's autocorrect system will now support multiple languages - a fitting inclusion so that "bilingual users can mix and match languages."
It is also worth noting that developers have decided to keep the Google logo. Android users can tap on the icon to pull up the keyboard's search option, as well as direct access to theme shortcuts, settings and "one-handed mode." GIFs will also be available in compatible apps like Hangouts and Google Messenger. Search meanwhile will give users a web result or a "card with more information". They can instantly share the web results right from the get go, or share the card's location (name, contact number, Google Maps link).
Both sources said that the Gboard for Android is currently available as an Android Application Package or APK. The official version, they added, will be up for grabs in the next few days. However, those who want to try the Gboard can download it via APK Mirror. Some will find it uneasy to download something on a third-party site, but APK Mirror "checks the cryptographic signature" of a new version and compare it to the previous version if it's really from the decks of Google.
