Gboard Archives

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Gboard could have a huge accessibility feature on the way for sign language

Google is developing a feature for its Gboard app called "Sign-to-text," which aims to convert sign language into written text using the user's camera and AI technology. This feature is designed for users who communicate using sign language, enhancing accessibility. The feature was found in the code of a recent Gboard update, indicating that Google is exploring its feasibility. Additionally, Android 16 has improved accessibility for hearing aid users by introducing Fast Pair support for easier connectivity and allowing adjustments for call audio and hearing aid volume.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

Stop tap tap tapping on your Android keyboard and get the message through faster with this ancient but underrated feature

The demand for faster typing on smartphones has increased, particularly for professionals, students, and interns. Swipe typing, also known as Glide Typing on Gboard, allows users to glide their finger across the keyboard without lifting it for each letter, significantly enhancing typing speed. To use this method on a Google Pixel 8 with Android 16 and Gboard, users should tap on a text box, slide their finger across the keyboard, and lift it only when finishing a word. For Samsung Keyboard users, Swype mode must be enabled in the settings. Gboard's swipe typing feature becomes more intelligent with use, providing word suggestions and allowing users to teach it new words. This feature is effective in multiple languages, including Urdu, and can also be used on Wear OS smartwatches. Although there may be an initial learning curve, swipe typing can greatly improve typing efficiency and is often met with curiosity from others.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

These 3 upcoming Gboard tweaks could make the app even better

Google is enhancing its Gboard application for Android with new features in the beta version v17.7.4.932364120. A cursor mode is being developed, allowing users to long-press the spacebar or swipe on it to control the cursor. Gboard is also introducing an emoji customization option, enabling users to adjust emoji sizes independently with a slider that allows for five to nine emojis in a row, including larger options labeled “7+” and “8+.” Additionally, Gboard may offer full-sized keyboard keys on mobile devices, which can be toggled using the “Show accessibility layout” setting, with options for QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY layouts. The timeline for the public release of these features is uncertain.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

5 Android keyboard apps you should use instead of Gboard

The keyboard is a frequently used application on Android devices, with Gboard being a popular choice, but alternatives exist for users with different preferences. Microsoft SwiftKey offers robust customization, unique layouts like split mode, and integrates an AI assistant for message refinement. It also excels in clipboard syncing with Windows when logged into the same Microsoft account. HeliBoard is a free, open-source keyboard that operates offline, prioritizing privacy and offering features like autocorrect and gesture typing. It requires downloading from GitHub or F-Droid, as it is not available on the Play Store. FUTO Keyboard is a free, open-source, offline option that includes offline voice typing but lacks cloud-synced personal dictionaries and AI writing tools. Samsung Keyboard, pre-installed on Galaxy phones, integrates with One UI and Galaxy AI’s writing tools, offering extensive customization options through the Good Lock app and KeysCafe module. Simple Keyboard is a lightweight application that provides a standard keyboard layout with minimal features, focusing on simplicity and requiring less than 1MB of storage.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

These 5 open-source utilities should be on every Android phone

Sefirah is a local companion app for Android that connects devices on the same network, allowing users to manage notifications, messages, and applications in one place, with clipboard mirroring for enhanced productivity. PhotoSwooper is a free photo management app that allows users to swipe left or right to delete or keep images, includes an undo option, and lets users customize folders to exclude from sorting. Neo Store is an alternative app store that builds apps from public source code, prioritizing safety and allowing users to add multiple repositories and update all open-source applications simultaneously. Heliboard is a privacy-focused keyboard app that operates offline, ensuring user data remains secure, and offers features like gesture typing. LocalSend enables file sharing over a local network across various devices, enhancing the experience as more users adopt the app.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

New Android Phone? Change These 4 Settings Right Away

In 2026, Android phones introduced a refined setup process that allows for extensive customization. Users can enhance performance by discovering hidden settings and decluttering home screens by removing pre-installed apps. Key adjustments include turning off adaptive brightness, increasing screen timeout, enabling screen pinning for security, and locking the SIM card for protection. Additional recommendations involve enabling the Find My Device service, customizing the quick settings tray, installing new apps like Gboard and Google Messages, using privacy-focused browsers, and disabling RAM Plus on devices with over 8GB of RAM for better performance.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Pixel Studio’s latest update marks the end of the Pixel-exclusive app

Google has released an update for Pixel Studio, version 2.3.001.911719150, which removes the app's image and sticker creation features. Initially launched in 2024 with the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Studio was designed for generating digital art, wallpapers, and stickers using AI technology. Users are now directed to use Nano Banana within the Gemini app for creative tasks. While previously generated content remains accessible, the app's future on Pixel 9 and 10 series is uncertain. The basic screenshot editing interface is still functional, but lacks the unique features of earlier versions. Additionally, a recent Gboard update has eliminated the Sticker Creation tab, suggesting a potential discontinuation of Pixel Studio. Users are encouraged to transition to Nano Banana for their creative projects.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

My favorite Gboard upgrade looks ready to launch, and I can’t wait

Google is preparing to introduce the Rambler feature for Gboard, its new AI-powered voice typing capability, as part of the enhancements for Android 17. Rambler can understand natural speech, remove filler words, and detect self-corrections during dictation. A hidden toggle for Rambler has been found in the latest Gboard beta, indicating that preparations for its rollout are in progress. The feature may initially be exclusive to select flagship devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Pixel 10 series.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s June Android Drop turns your phone into a smarter shopping and reading companion

Google's June Android Drop introduces enhancements focused on personalization and AI-driven tools for compatible Android devices. Key features include: - Circle to Search now allows users to identify and shop for entire outfits at once. - Google Photos will launch a digital wardrobe that organizes clothing from photo libraries into a searchable collection. - Google Play Books is adding AI-powered Book Insights, including reading recaps and contextual Q&A tools. The digital wardrobe feature is currently being rolled out in the U.S., India, and Brazil. Additionally, Gboard's Emoji Kitchen continues to expand with new emoji mashups.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

A smarter, more proactive Android with Gemini Intelligence

Gemini has been integrated with Autofill through Google to streamline mobile form completion, allowing users to opt-in and toggle the connection in settings. Gboard on Android has improved speech-to-text conversion but still struggles with natural speech nuances. Rambler, a new feature powered by Gemini Intelligence, transforms spoken language into polished text while capturing the essence of speech. Users are notified when Rambler is active, and audio is used only for real-time transcription without being stored. Rambler supports multilingual communication, switching between languages within a single message and refining them for clarity.