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Napier Lopez
ReporterNapier Lopez is a writer based in New York City. He's interested in all things tech, science, and photography related, and likes to yo-yo in Napier Lopez is a writer based in New York City. He's interested in all things tech, science, and photography related, and likes to yo-yo in his free time. Follow him on Twitter.
Google made a really darn good keyboard for iOS when it launched Gboard in May. It integrated GIFs directly into a solid keyboard, and made it easy to share search results results with your friends.
Ironically, it wasn’t available for Android. Go figure.
All’s in order now, as Gboard has replaced the old Google Keyboard app on the Play Store, bringing the aforementioned GIF integration and search results. It also brings some other useful features:
- A dedicated number row (optional)
- Multiple active languages (instead of having to switch between them manually)
- Emoji search
- Pop out toolbar for settings like themes and one-handed mode
Keep in mind GIF keyboard support is only available for a few apps. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger don’t work, for instance, but Google’s own Messenger app for SMS does. Hopefully Gboard’s release will speed up GIF implementation.
As usual, Google is doing a slow rollout. You’ll likely see an update show up over the next couple of days, but if you want the app now,you can download it from APK Mirror.
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