Within the past couple days a new update to Google's Gboard keyboard app for Android started rolling out. As seems to be typical with keyboard updates, more new sticker packs were added for users who feel the urge to spice up their messages. These sticker packs were originally part of the Allo messenger app. Some of the code, as revealed in a recent teardown of the app's APK, show Google is adding in some other new features and functions.
One new option in the works found in the app's files is the ability to support integration with the keyboard. Gboard, like many other keyboards now, includes a row of options for users to quickly access things like emojis, GIFs, or to do searches or switch to voice input. The new code discovered in the files suggests the clipboard will be added as a button for quick access. This would make it possible for users to insert copied text with a couple keyboard taps instead of having to long press in a field and then selecting the “Paste” option. Sources note that they did not find anything indicating whether the clipped items eligible to be pasted will only include the most recent item or whether a history will be maintained. Likewise, it is not clear whether a user could copy something they are currently typing for future use.
Later this year Google says they plan to bring the Gboard keyboard over to ChromeOS. As the groundwork is laid for that port, some of the code in this latest update suggests Google is adding the ability to create keyboard shortcuts. Thus far the code that was found limits the creation of the shortcuts to one of the ALT, CTRL or SHIFT keys plus another key. So it is unclear whether that will be expanded to allow for multi-key combos like CTRL + SHIFT + some other key. It is also unclear whether these will be universal in nature or specific to certain applications.
A previous version of the Gboard app included some code referencing a floating keyboard option. From a functional standpoint, there does not appear to be any new information, but some graphics related to this new functionality are now available. In a similar vein, previous code indicated support for Morse code and like the floating keyboard, not much has changed. However, it does appear Google is adding in support for an external switch to control the Morse keyboard.
Finally, Google is working on a filter for GIFs so that more risque ones will not appear in searches. This will likely function in a similar manner to the filter for offensive words and will probably be most useful for younger users.
source: AndroidPolice
