Google released the Gboard keyboard app for iOS back in May 2016, the Android community has been excitedly looking forward to the release of its Android version. Finally, Google has released it for Android as the 6.0 update to the Google Keyboard. Now, we should specify that the Google Keyboard was an expert by any means and we liked it for being a keyboard that was just satisfactory for every situation. The Gboard update only boosts its functionality and offer with its new set of features that should upgrade the typing experience on Android.

What’s new in Gboard?

1. Integrated Google Search

The Google Search on your keyboard covers method for some great usage scenarios. You tap on the “G” button to open Google Search (you need to enable it from the Keyboard Settings) and find anything that Google permits. You can share the search links with your contacts on nearly all communication and messenger apps like WhatsApp, Allo, Gmail, Hangouts, etc. The major benefit of this is that you are getting to use the super powers of Google Search on any page that allows the keyboard to pop up.

• Send address details to contacts

Now Google Search is available instantly, you can easily search and send address details to your contacts. You need to just type the name of the place and you will see its details along with its address. The result is shared as a link to your contact. This is especially useful in situations like deciding on a meeting place with your group of friends or sending a reference landmark address to someone visiting your place.

• Search for word meanings

Searching for meanings of complex words or phrases while being in a chat has been made a lot easier, because of Gboard. All you need to do is type or copy the word and search it in the integrated Google Search bar like you would normally do in your Google App. The major benefit we see is that you can always stay on your toes when your friend is showing off his vocabulary skills.

• Share links easily

Before the Gboard update, sharing an article’s link in your email or WhatsApp chat meant copying the URL from the address bar of the browser and then pasting it. Not only was it a long process, but also resulted in an incomplete copying of the link most of the times, an issue that is prevalent in all touch-based devices. Now, you just type in your search term and get a side scrolling list of all the web articles or YouTube videos related to your desired topic. You can tap on the share button to get the link in your message box or email body.

• Share weather details while making a plan

If you type “weather” in the integrated Google Search bar, it will show you the weather details of your current location, which you can tap to share. It will also provide you options to see the forecast for the weekend. If you need to check out the weather details the place you plan to visit, then simply type “weather” followed by the name of the place.

2. Emoji Search Bar

There’s a new search bar on the emoji panel of the keyboard, which gives chance you to search for a specific type of emoji. For example, if you type “happy” in the search bar, it will show all the happy emojis.

Before, inserting an emoji in your message required you to scroll through the list of several categories of emojis. This was a major inconvenience if you were chatting with someone expecting quick answers. Now, you only need to type the word that describes your emoji in the Emoji Search bar and you will be greeted with the appropriate emojis in a list. This will make conversing with emojis fun while being faster and convenient.

3. Integrated GIF Search

It is just similar the emoji search bar, you can also search GIFs as per your needs. You want to go to the numbers section and tap on the GIF button to open the GIF search option. You will see a few recommended GIFs but you can search for a specific type of GIF from the search bar. For example, if you searched for a “Congratulations” GIF and you got many worthy results.

GIFs have continuously made texting fun and interesting. The Gboard update has made using GIFs in messages more continuous. This means that you can cheer up your friend in the morning or skip a lot of typing in a group chat. However, you should remember that this feature is available only for Allo, Hangouts and Messenger as of now.

4. Improved Glide Typing

With Gboard, Swipe typing also known as gestures typing and glide typing gets improvements in core areas like speed and accuracy. Additionally, the animations are much smoother and intuitive. If you don’t see this feature working, then enable it by going into Keyboard Settings-> Glide Typing and tap on the Enable glide typing option.

5. Quick Access to Keyboard Settings

Now you don’t have to jump into your phone’s settings menu just to change the keyboard theme. You can just Tap on the “G” icon and tap again on the Settings icon. You can easily access several settings like Text correction, Glide typing, Dictionary, Search, etc. with a single tap.