Your Android phone keyboard is getting a handy upgrade

Date:
Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:25:31 +0000

Description:
Google is introducing a useful update to the Gboard toolbar.

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Googles Gboard is the default keyboard on many of the best Android phones , and the baked-in app is getting a much-needed refresh in the coming weeks.

Specifically, the Gboard toolbar thats the list of icons above the number keys is being updated (H/T Android Police ), with beta testers reporting
that youll soon be able to customize this row of icons with more than four options.

In its current guise, the Gboard toolbar plonks an immovable ellipses menu icon between the settings and voice search buttons. In its updated form, this ellipses becomes a button showing four squares with rounded corners, and is moved to the left-hand side of the toolbar.

That redesigned menu houses all the shortcuts that aren't currently on the toolbar, so you can drag and drop them to replace toolbar shortcuts.

That's long been the case, but now rather than being limited to four toolbar shortcuts youll be able to add as many shortcuts there as you like including new emoji and language switcher options and the voice search button will no longer be locked in place. See the redesigned toolbar in action by comparing the pictures below. Image 1 of 4 The current Gboard toolbar layout (Image credit: Google) Image 2 of 4 The updated Gboard toolbar layout (Image credit: Google) Image 3 of 4 The current Gboard customization menu (Image credit: Google) Image 4 of 4 The updated Gboard customization menu (Image credit: Google)

In addition to these cosmetic enhancements, Google is also working on adding
a Privacy menu to Gboards settings. Essentially, itll feature most of the settings that were once housed in the Advanced menu, but its nice to see Google introducing a dedicated space for keyboard-related data collection.

These Gboard updates are now available to anyone on Googles Beta program the new version is 12.6.06.491625702 but those not already enrolled can get involved by tapping the Join button on Gboards Play Store page.

Alternatively, wed expect to see Google rolling out the updates as part of
its next Android software update (which could come anytime in the next few weeks).

For more info on getting the best out of your Android phone, read our guides on how to make custom emojis on Android , how to screenshot on Android and
how to record your screen on Android for free (all three guides apply to the best Android tablets , too).



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/your-android-phone-keyboard-is-getting-a-handy- upgrade


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