Gboard Archives

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets

Android 17 QPR1 began its stable rollout in the United States on September 15, 2026, coinciding with Google’s September Pixel Drop. This update introduces the Pause Point feature, which temporarily halts access to a selected app for 10 seconds, allowing users to reconsider their choice. The update is compatible with Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 10a generations, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold models. The rollout is staged, leading to varying delivery times for users. Pause Point imposes a 10-second delay when accessing a configured app, offering options like breathing exercises and alternative app suggestions. Disabling Pause Point requires a phone restart. Scam protection features vary by region, with Gboard scam warnings initially exclusive to the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer devices, while notification-based Scam Detection has expanded to nine additional regions, excluding Spain. Android 17 QPR1 also includes a refresh of the Pixel interface, adding a new Keyboard tile to Quick Settings and improving visual aesthetics with enhanced translucent and blurred backgrounds. Screen recording defaults to capturing a single app, and the VIPs widget has been upgraded for easier calling and messaging. Google and Audible have collaborated to provide Harry Potter-themed packs for Pixel users, featuring customized wallpapers and icons, along with a two-month Audible trial, though eligibility conditions are unspecified.

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

Latest Pixel Feature Drop Expands Access to Scam-Text Detection

Google has released a feature update for Pixel phones that enhances existing functionalities and introduces new elements. The update expands scam-text detection capabilities to chat applications using Gboard, compatible with devices as old as the Pixel 6, and is available in multiple countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Japan, and Singapore. It also improves VIP notifications by allowing users to add home-screen widgets for designated contacts and includes a new navigation menu for easier contact switching, available for Pixel 6 and newer models. Additionally, a Harry Potter-themed pack with wallpapers, icons, and audio effects is offered, along with a two-month free subscription to Audible. For Pixel Watch users, the update introduces a one-handed pinch gesture for easier access to notifications and improved functionality for the raise-to-talk gesture on newer models.

AppWizard

September 14, 2026

This keyboard app brings Pixel 11’s best feature to all Android phones

SwiftKey is introducing a new AI-driven voice typing feature in its beta version, inspired by Google's Rambler feature. This tool cleans up and formats speech but does not provide live transcription. The AI model is about 163MB and allows offline functionality on Android devices. Unlike Google's Rambler, which is exclusive to Pixel devices, SwiftKey's feature is available on a wider range of Android smartphones. Testing on a Galaxy Z Fold 8 showed efficient offline processing and transcription. However, it lacks features like tone adjustments, advanced text formatting, and emoji insertion through voice commands. The SwiftKey Beta app can be installed on any Android device and is available for download on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I spent months testing the top Android keyboards; one easily replaced Gboard for good

The author initially favored Google Gboard but began exploring alternatives due to declining typing accuracy and clipboard management issues. They found Microsoft SwiftKey's stable version effective for swiping, predictive text, and multi-language support, but were disappointed with its voice input feature. Transitioning to SwiftKey Beta improved voice typing significantly, though it still lacks support for some niche languages and font scaling options. FUTO Keyboard is noted for its privacy and offline functionality but has limited language support and clipboard management. Samsung Keyboard, now the author's primary choice on their Galaxy Tab, offers deep integration with One UI and improved text prediction, though voice input still needs work. Gboard remains competent, especially in voice typing, but the author feels it is becoming less appealing due to data harvesting concerns and limited customization. Currently, the author plans to continue using Microsoft SwiftKey Beta, which meets most of their typing needs.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 is shaping up to be Google’s best beta yet

Android 17 QPR2 has reached Platform Stability with the release of Beta 4, locking the application programming interfaces (APIs) and allowing developers to refine their apps. The update focuses on system polish and bug fixes rather than new features. Google has addressed issues affecting Pixel users, including overheating, unexpected reboots, gesture navigation glitches, battery charging limitations, Recents screen problems, Bluetooth audio inconsistencies, and screen-recording complications. Hardware support enhancements include fixes for USB-C XR mirroring, compatibility with 3D smart-glasses displays, and improvements to low-light Face Unlock functionality. The beta journey began on July 20, with Beta 1, followed by Beta 2 on August 3 and Beta 3 shortly after. Beta 4 includes critical bug fixes such as resolving thermal management issues, battery charging behavior, gesture navigation refinements, and fixes for the transparent status bar during full-screen video playback. Other improvements address app drawer search issues, Bluetooth audio routing, Recents screen freezing, and screen-recording audio bugs. Beta 4 reinstates screen mirroring for USB-C XR glasses and resolves issues with 3D mode for smart glasses. Feedback from early testers has been positive, with reports of reduced lag and improved performance. However, some users have noted oversized text and lower display resolution issues, which can be resolved by rebooting. A persistent Bluetooth routing issue for incoming calls has been reported across all QPR2 betas. The update is being rolled out to various Pixel phones and tablets, with a download size of approximately 671MB on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Existing Pixel owners in the beta program will receive the update over the air, but exiting the program after installation may result in data loss.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

5 useless Android apps you probably still download (and why you should stop)

Android has evolved to include many built-in features that previously required third-party apps. - Document scanning and optical character recognition (OCR) are now available through the stock camera app in Android 14 and later. - QR code scanning is natively supported from Android 13, accessible via the stock camera app or Quick Settings toggle. - A built-in clipboard history feature is available in Google’s Gboard and Samsung Keyboard, eliminating the need for third-party clipboard managers. - Android devices come with a built-in blue light filter, customizable through the Settings app. - Built-in caller ID and spam protection features allow users to identify callers before answering. - Certain tasks, such as looking up word definitions, converting currencies, and performing unit conversions, still require third-party apps. - The ability to lock apps is expected to be introduced in the upcoming Android 17 QPR2 update.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Galaxy phones are finally letting users remove this longtime Microsoft app

The latest update to One UI 9.0 allows Samsung Galaxy users to completely uninstall the pre-installed Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard app, which was previously non-removable due to a bundling agreement between Samsung and Microsoft. Users can now reclaim approximately 55MB of storage by uninstalling SwiftKey. Additionally, newer devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy A57 are shipping without SwiftKey pre-installed, indicating a potential end to the bundling agreement.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Google Play services update brings seamless wrist payments and a revamped storefront feed

Google has released Play services v26.29 and Play Store v52.5, which include several enhancements for the Android ecosystem. The new Play services version features upgraded Maps APIs for various devices, new utilities APIs for Wear OS, and unspecified improvements to system management and diagnostics. The "Connected apps" section has been rebranded to "Linked apps," and Gboard has been optimized for messaging applications on Pixel devices. The Play Store update focuses on content discovery and user engagement, with a refined Play Games Sidekick dashboard and expanded Play Shorts offerings that include comic book previews. Additionally, the Engage SDK has been updated to help third-party travel applications display previous searches, aiding trip planning.

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.