AI was the key phrase at this yr’s Google I/O developer convention, with Google showcasing how generative language fashions are altering a few of its key merchandise. It seems to be like the corporate is gearing up so as to add that very same magic to Gboard, just about the perfect Android keyboard app round. Hidden flags throughout the app make it potential to activate a spread of generative machine studying options like superior spell verify and emoji technology.
As noticed by @AssembleDebug on Twitter (or X, if we should) and 9to5Google, there are a number of options that Google is engaged on within the newest Gboard beta, 13.3. Probably the most fascinating one might be Proofread with Gboard. When activated, a popup seems that explains, “Whenever you use Proofread, the textual content you write, your suggestions, and your interplay with the function will probably be despatched to and saved on Google servers for 60 days to offer you proofreading recommendations and assist enhance this function.”
In apply, a chip will seem on the prime of the keyboard after you end a sentence, providing a “Repair it” possibility that is additionally accessible by way of a toolbox shortcut. Tapping it replaces the keyboard with totally different recommendations, with the particular tweaks highlighted. In AssembleDebug’s instance, their incorrect “What are flawed with gboard?” is corrected to both “What is flawed with gboard?” or “What’s flawed with Gboard?” The 2 choices are accompanied by thumbs up and thumbs down buttons, and Google prominently asks for suggestions (sarcastically incorrectly including a query mark to the crucial phrase “Inform us how we’re doing?”). A faucet on one of many recommendations replaces the unique textual content with it.
On prime of proofreading, 9to5 noticed that Gboard might get a function much like Assist me write in Gmail, with a string saying “Choose the model or tone you’d wish to rewrite with.” That method, you need to use generative machine studying to make your writing extra formal or casual, with different choices possible additionally obtainable.
Aside from the correction function, you may as well stay up for an “Emogen” sticker generator. It can can help you create emoji model stickers with generative machine studying. The interface isn’t completed but, however based mostly on what’s seen proper now, it can look much like emoji and GIF search, with a bar for immediate entry on the prime.
Gboard 13.3 additionally prepares a couple of common options that don’t leverage generative machine studying. Stylus customers are in for lots of treats, with them receiving a separate “Write in textual content fields” possibility. Because the title implies, it is possible for you to to write down into any textual content discipline, with Gboard mechanically turning the handwritten textual content into machine-readable letters. You can even scratch out textual content to delete it, insert textual content into a selected place by drawing an arrow or caret, draw vertical traces to hitch separate phrases, and circle textual content to pick out it. There are some extra choices, like creating a brand new line, but it surely’s not solely clear which gestures you will have to make use of for this simply but.
These of us preferring to make use of voice typing will have the ability to conceal the keyboard whereas dictating, leaving solely the toolbar with the microphone and different choices in view. The string 9to5 noticed tells us that “You possibly can simply transfer the toolbar wherever when voice typing.”
Lastly, Google can also be including assist for predictive again animations with this launch, which is able to make navigating Gboard’s settings pages really feel extra pure on Android 14.
As with all options noticed in growth, it’s not clear when Google will launch them. We wouldn’t be stunned if the corporate timed them to coincide with the Android 14 launch, slated for later this month, or for one of many well-known function drops that Google releases each three months following an enormous Android launch.
