Google Is Testing Exciting New Gboard Features: What’s Coming & How It Helps
The Android world may be getting a keyboard upgrade soon. Google is currently rolling out experimental changes in Gboard that aim to make mobile typing smarter, faster, and more flexible. Among the top features under test are AI writing tools, flick keys, customizable key shapes, and optional number‑row behaviour in password fields. This post dives into what each feature is, how it could improve your daily typing, and what you might expect when they reach general release.
What Are These New Gboard Features?
- AI Writing Tools
The flagship addition under test is AI writing tools. With this, Gboard goes beyond simple autocorrect and suggestions. Users will be able to enter prompts so that the keyboard helps them generate or refine text. Whether you want it to make your message more formal, shorten a text, or offer alternative phrasing, the AI writing tools aim to act like a writing assistant embedded in the keyboard. - Flick Keys for Symbols
A second feature is flick keys: by touching a key and swiping (flicking) in a direction (e.g. downwards), users can quickly enter symbols without switching keyboard layouts. This is similar to what’s seen on Apple’s iPad keyboard layouts. It promises smoother typing, especially when you often type special characters. - Rounded or Circular Key Shapes
Google is bringing back options for the look of keys. Users may be able to pick between pill‑shaped backgrounds, circular keys, or the more regular rectangular style. Given past feedback, making key shape optional is a move to offer more personalization and comfort. - Number Row for Password Fields Only
Another tweak under trial is showing the number row automatically only when entering passwords. This could help simplify the keyboard during regular typing (fewer keys visible) but ensure convenience when digits are needed. On larger devices it may matter less, but on compact or mid‑sized phones, this can save screen space and reduce clutter.
Why These Changes Matter
- Typing Efficiency & Speed: Flick keys reduce the friction of typing symbols. Instead of switching layers or long‑pressing keys, a flick yields immediate results. Together with AI writing tools, you can type less and communicate more, especially for messages or quick replies.
- Better Text Quality: With AI writing tools built into Gboard, non‑native English speakers, busy professionals, or anyone composing longer messages can get higher quality output grammar, tone, style tweaks without leaving the keyboard.
- Personalization & Comfort: Some users find rounded keys more comfortable, others prefer straight rectangles. By offering key shape options, Google acknowledges that comfort is subjective. Same with number‑row behaviour: optional tools give users a chance to tailor the experience to their hands and device size.
- Cleaner UI When You Don’t Need Extras: Hiding or showing number rows only when needed (e.g. password fields) declutters the keyboard. Users who mostly type letters will see fewer distractions.
Potential Drawbacks & What Users Should Know
- Learning Curve: Flick keys may take some adjusting. Users accustomed to long‑pressing might initially slip up. It may take some time before flick gestures become natural.
- Stability / Beta Nature: All these features are in testing. That means they may have bugs, inconsistent behaviour, or not reach all devices. It’s likely Google will refine based on feedback.
- Privacy & Prompt Design: When using AI writing tools, entering prompts may send some data for processing. Users should check how prompts are processed, stored, or used, especially sensitive or private content.
- Device Differences: Smaller screens, lower RAM, or older Android versions may affect how well these features perform. Some users may see lag, or features may be disabled or delayed on certain models.
How to Try These Features (If Available)
- Join the Gboard Beta: These new features are initially visible in the beta versions of Gboard. If you want early access, enroll in the beta via Google Play Store, if Google has slots open.
- Update the app regularly. New betas often carry new toggles for features like AI writing tools, flick keys, key shapes, etc.
- Check settings inside Gboard → “Typing” / “Text correction” / “Layout & design” often that’s where toggles for flick keys or shape options show up.
- Provide feedback. Since these are experimental, user feedback helps Google decide which features to keep, modify, disable, or improve.
What This Means for the Future of Mobile Typing
The ongoing development of Gboard shows Google’s push towards keyboards not just being a mechanical input method but intelligent assistants. With AI writing tools, keyboards will likely evolve into better co‑writers: helping with tone, style, speed. Flick keys and customizable layouts signal greater user control and adaptive design. Over time, we might see even more context‑aware typing: Gboard reacting to where you are (e.g. email vs chat), preferred style, or even predicting what kind of content you’re about to write.
These experiments also reflect broader trends: streamlining user experience, reducing friction, and letting the AI do more heavy lifting in mundane tasks such as correcting, suggesting, reframing. For people who type lots of messages, share content, or work with mixed media on phones, these changes could make a noticeable difference.
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