Gboard: Google’s latest keyboard for iOS. Prior to installing Gboard, I already had three different keyboards installed on my phone. It may seem like a bit much, but believe me, these keyboards are used on a daily basis (I’m talking emojis, bitmojis, etc.). Am I a keyboard fanatic? Guilty.
Google released this new keyboard a few weeks back, and I decided to give it a go to see what all of the hype was about. There are unique Gboard features I’m loving, and I find myself using it more and more – and saving time by doing so!
You can Google search & send results, right in your message app
I NEVER thought I’d need this, but it comes in handy. Some scenarios where I’ve used it: sending the weekend weather, sharing restaurant reviews when picking a place for dinner, responding to my friend’s absurd questions with a Wikipedia post (and/or WebMD for the hypochondriacs, which could very well be counterproductive), sharing a new house that got listed with Leo. I can keep going, but don’t want to bore you or share too much about my search behavior (it can get ugly and embarrassing real quick). Long story short – you no longer have to get out of your messaging app and open your browser to search for something. You can do it all within the same experience – pretty cool, huh? Is anyone else excited about this?
Glide typing saves SO much time
We’ve come so far from the T9 texting days – did I just date myself? You guys remember that, right?! This feature is super cool, but I’ll admit that I’m still getting used to it. Instead of pressing your fingers on each letter to spell a word, you can quickly spell out words by sliding your finger from letter to letter. Gboard will identify which word you’re trying to spell and BOOM, it auto inserts. Something to note – if you’re typing normally (not using Glide typing) the auto correct on Gboard is not as good as the standard iPhone keyboard.
GIF & Emoji Search
Oh yeah – now we’re talking. Gboard gives you access to a library of GIFs, and has them nicely organized & searchable. Someone annoying you? Insert “Eye Roll” GIF. Done and done.
You can do the same with emojis – looking for a laughing face? Search for “laughing” within the emojis, and VOILA. There it is.
What are some of your favorite apps lately?
