In August 2018, Gboard passed 1 billion installs on the Google Play Store, making it one of the most popular Android apps. Its popularity is related to the extra-ordinary features that distinguish it from ordinary keyboard apps. Google keyboard or Gboard is a virtual keyboard app by Google. You could be using the keyboard but you might not have exhausted all the features. In this guide, we show you 5 outstanding Gboard features that you probably did not know about.
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In-Built Google Search
The G-Board’s most prominent feature is the built-in Google Search. This means that you can quickly search for anything on your keyboard in whichever app you are using without leaving the chat window.
To use G-Board’s Google Search,
- Tap on “G” button on the top left corner of the Gboard for the search field to launch.
- Key in your search keyword.
- Tap the “Search” or “Enter” button for the results to reflect instantly. If more search results appear, tap on one to enter the link in the text field. However, if you have one search result, tap the “Share” button to add it to the text field.
Google Translate
Having conversations in different languages is simplified on G-Board’s Keyboard thanks to the keyboard’s integration with Google Translator. All you have to do is enter the text that you want to translate and select the language.
To translate word/phrase;
- Click on the big “G” icon in the upper left corner.
- Tap on “Translate”
- Enter the word or sentence that you want to translate. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the sentence here.
- Next, select a language you want the word or sentence to be translated to.
- Hit the “Translate” button and tap on the translation result to share with your friends.
Say it, G-Board will Type it
On your G-Board, you can say it and it will be typed for you. This is possible because Google’s smart voice recognition technology is melded in the Gboard. Now, it is easier than ever to get out those long detailed messages without feeling the strain on your fingers.
Follow the steps to type with your voice;
- Hit the microphone icon found on the upper right side of the keyboard.
- Start speaking and the Gboard will automatically type out what you recorded in your speech.
Add More Languages
Chatting with family and friends is more fun in your native language. The G-Board enables you to add those native and national languages to your keyboard so you can type with ease.
To add more languages to your Keyboard;
- Launch G-Board settings.
- Select “Languages.”
- Click on “Add Keyboard” to include your preferred language.
Quick Note: To switch in between languages on your Keyboard, simply hold the space bar and select the language.
YouTube Search
If your friend recommends you to watch something on Youtube, it gets easier with the G-Board. You can access Youtube without closing your chat window however when you click on the youtube link, you will be referred to the Youtube App.
To use Youtube in the G-Board;
- Tap the “G” icon on your keyboard.
- Select “YouTube”
- Search for a video you want to watch.
- Select the video that you want to watch.