This article was published on October 9, 2012

Google adds 100 virtual keyboards, transliteration and IMEs to Gmail for better language support


Google adds 100 virtual keyboards, transliteration and IMEs to Gmail for better language support

Google has added a variety of input tools to its Gmail product that allow users access to a variety of language and layout tools that will help them write email in different languages. With these additions, Gmail now supports typing in 75 languages.

These tools include over 100 virtual keyboards, transliteration and IMEs (input method editors— these allow users to enter text in any of the supported languages with a latin keyboard). You can swap between languages with one click once you’ve enabled the tools under Language in your Gmail settings.

Once you’ve turned the input tools on, you’ll get a new Input Tools button that appears in your toolbar, which allows you to toggle any of those tools on and off.

Adding virtual keyboards and IMEs is a great move by Google that enables better language support independent of platform. It also helps to mitigate the need for expensive multilanguage keyboard setups and overlays, especially when traveling or using a public terminal.

Image Credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images

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