10 Amazing Gboard Features and How To Use Them

The Google Keyboard which has been rechristened ‘Gboard’ is back with new and redefined features on Android smartphones. The Gboard whose update should already be on your smartphone as the default keyboard option is set to change the minds of Android users who switched over to third party keyboards because of the old Google keyboard’s limited features.

The new Gboard comes as a light application, maybe lighter than most third party keyboard application yet packs impressive features which push the boundaries to serve Android users and its consumers better.

Here are the ten unique features packed into the new Gboard that’ll sway your mind and make you ditch other third party keyboards.

1. Gboard With The Built-in Google search

The new Gboard features a ‘G button’ which helps users to quickly switch to search mode as it enters queries on Google search for a smoother experience. The G button, however, does not function as a shortcut which means there is absolutely no need to download a supporting app for the desired functionality to be accessed.

One of the most advanced features offered by the search integration is the display of instant answers to queries, and in cases where results are not available, a link to the top results of the query appears.

The main idea behind the keyboard search integration is to allow the user easy access to needed information including location, news, recent events or other queries and a quick share of such search on your chat screen.

The new search integration allows for users to back their points, communicate locations and other needed information without having to navigate away from their chat screen. Sharing of results from queries is also made simple through the incorporation of a ‘Share’ button which copies and pastes high priority search contents in the typing field.

How to use the Gboard Built-in Google search;

Using this feature is quite easy, all you need to do is to tap the ‘G button on the top left corner of your keyboard, enter your query in the query field and hit enter to get an instant search result.

To share your each result, tap on the desired article in case of multiple results or press the ‘Share’ button directly if a single search result pops up.

2. Activate Spacebar As Trackpad

Considering how frustrating it can be navigating to a particular point in the text field for correction, the Gboard solves this problem with ease through the activation of your spacebar as a trackpad thereby increasing the accuracy of your typing and reducing the frustrating effect that accompanies correcting texts.

To activate this function, swipe left or right across your spacebar to move the cursor in the desired direction.

This feature is however plagued with a little snag as it does not allow users swipe up or down which means you have to revert to the old method of tapping into lines.

3. Deleting Multiple Words made easy

Deleting multiple words may become frustrating when you have to hold down the key for an extended period in hopes that the hellish wait ends as soon as possible, the Gboard, however, provides a solution to this problem.

To erase multiple words on the Gboard, swipe left from the delete button on your keyboard; this allows you to delete about 6-8 words in portrait mode. However, in landscape mode, the tap, and swipe motion activates the highlighter which clears all highlighted words once the finger leaves the delete key.

4. Emoji and GIFs Search made easy

Searching for your favorite or least favorite emoji as the case may have has been made simple on the new and improved Gboard as the keyboard provides a new built-in feature which allows the user to search for their desired emoji.

To do this, tap on the ‘Emojis’ button located in the bottom right corner of your keyboard, a search bar on top of the panel should appear, type your query, and you’re good to go. The procedure also applies to the GIF search. However, the GIF search feature will only work on fields which can support the GIF feature.

5. Language Switch Made Easy

The Gboard allows for multilingual typing, that is, you can switch between languages as you type without going through the stress of actually changing language options. The language switch works in simple terms, and your Gboard predicts words based on the language you want to use. For example, typing a Spanish word in between English texts will provide Spanish predictions.

To use this feature, tap on the ‘G button ‘then the ‘Gear’ icon, this opens up the control setting panel where you click on ‘languages’ then proceed to select all desired languages to enable them. Once this is done, the Gboard automatically downloads the language module.

6. Permanent Number Row feature

The Gboard has incorporated the permanent number row feature which allows users to quickly access and type in numbers without having to go through the normal stress of holding the shift button.

Although this feature is enabled on most third party keyboards, Google has finally brought its stock keyboard up to date on this.

To activate this feature, tap the ‘G button’ then the ‘Gear icon’ to access the keyboard settings. Tap on the ‘Preferences’ option and enable the ‘Number Row’ option.

7. Typing With One Hand Made Easy.

Typing with one hand especially on a large display can be hectic. Have you ever been caught in a situation where you’re occupied but at the same time need to reply a chat with just one hand? Here’s where this feature comes in handy. The feature pins your keyboard at one corner of the screen, left or right, as you pleas to allow easy typing with your free hand.

To enable the Gboard’s One Hand Mode, simply access the Gboard settings by tapping on the ‘G button’ then click on ‘One Hand’ mode icon. You can revert to the previous keyboard layout by tapping on the expand icon on the top of the keyboard.

8. Enhanced Glide Typing

The enhanced glide typing function builds on the pre-existing feature but with smoother animations and enhanced accuracy. The Gboard’s glide typing is much faster and can handle your hyper-swipe typing demands to the last letter.

9. Word Capitalisation Made Easy

Having to tap the shift key to capitalize your words is sometimes a frustrating effort especially when you need to mix capital and small letters in words. But this has been made easy as you can now tap on the ‘Shift’ key then swipe to the desired letter(s) or word to capitalize it.

10. Symbols At your disposal

This brings you closer to your symbols and your symbols to you. To activate this function, click on your ‘123’ key and swipe upwards on your keyboard. The page in response to the command automatically switches from the numeric tab to the symbols page.