More than three years after originally launching, Google Keyboard for Android is getting a major update today and a new name to go with it.
Google Keyboard is now being updated to version 6.0, and after the update, it’ll be known as Gboard. The name change isn’t a surprise, as it’s the name that Google’s iOS keyboard goes by. And it turns out that the name isn’t the only thing that the Android version of Gboard borrows from its iOS counterpart.
The new Gboard for Android offers a G button, which can give you access to Google search directly from the keyboard. You will have to enable this feature in the keyboard’s settings, though. If you don’t, you’ll see a pop-out toolbar that’ll give you quick access to themes, settings, and one-handed mode.
Other new features of Gboard v6.0 include an optional dedicated number row, the ability to have three active languages, emoji search, and more.
This update is still rolling out to Android users, and so you may not see it yet on your device. If you don’t feel like waiting for Gboard v6.0 to make its way to your neck of the woods, you can sideload the update by grabbing it from APK Mirror.
This looks like a pretty nice update to Gboard for Android. The quick access to Google search from the keyboard is especially handy, letting you search for restaurant hours, an actor’s age, or whatever else, all without leaving whatever app you’re already in.
Do you use Google Keyboard/Gboard?