14 DAY TRIAL // Google's Gboard application, which was launched on iOS a while ago, has just made it to Android in the form of an update to Google Keyboard. However, Google didn't just change the name of its application and re-released it in the Play store but it also added a slew of new features.
The most important seems to be the fact that it brings GIF support to devices that are not running Android 7.1 Nougat.
As some of you might know by now, Google introduced GIF support for keyboards in Android 7.1.1 Nougat update, which was released earlier this month to Nexus and Pixel devices.
The good news is that, with Gboard 6.0, this feature is not exclusive to devices powered by Android 7.1 Nougat or newer. However, it will remain available on supported apps like Hangouts and Messenger.
Obviously, other keyboard apps like SwiftKey could add GIF support in the future, especially that the new feature is supported by just about any Android device.
GIF support has been made widely available on Android devices
According to AndroidPolice, aside from making GIF support widely available to Android devices, the latest Gboard update enables up to three active languages with preference for one.
Also, gesture typing has been renamed to Glide typing, and there's a new optional dedicated number row. Google added a G button (enabled in settings) that allows for quick access to search from the keyboard.
When G button is not enabled, a pop-out toolbar is available that provides access to themes, settings, one-handed mode, as well as search.
Furthermore, the latest version of Gboard allows users to search for emoji. Speaking of emoji, the update rearranged emoji panel with group selection at bottom. Also, they have a bright halo effect around them.
Last but not least, you will now notice that the GIF button is always shown, but disabled in apps that are not supported.
