Earlier this year Google released a new version of their keyboard app and in the process rebranded the app to Gboard. At the time the new app was part of a string of app updates pointing toward Google's apps being more integrated and perhaps being a harbinger of the Google Assistant technology. One bad feature of the Gboard app was that it was only released for iOS devices. Half a year later and finally Android fans may be getting access to the super-powered keyboard as a leaked APK points to the update hitting later this week.
The new APK file that surfaced and is available for installation, ratchets the version number up to 6.0 and brings a whole host of new features and capabilities. The one that most users will probably be interested in is the G button on the keyboard that provides access to search functions without a user having to leave the app they are typing in. Inexplicably, it appears Google may have this turned off by default, so if you get the updated keyboard be sure to go into the settings to turn it on.
Some other new features users will find include a pop-out toolbar with access to themes and settings, like the ability to turn on a dedicated number row. Users can also have three languages active at one time with one of them being designated as the preferred language. Other new items are more subtle and include things like a halo effect around emojis, a rearranged emoji panel, and a GIF button.
You can check out how the new Gboard app works in the video below that was originally posted for the iOS version release. If you just cannot wait for the new keyboard app to be updated through the Play Store, you will also find a link to APK Mirror where you can download the app and do a side install. If you do possess some patience, the Play Store link is provided as well.
source: Android Police
