- Gboard integrates generative AI for spell checking, emoji creation, and tonal enhancements.
- Allows you to scan text with the camera directly from the keyboard and write by hand with a stylus.
- Features like 'Review' allow you to correct entire paragraphs using advanced AI models like PaLM2.
- Beta 13.3 brings new features such as stylus input, selection tools, and gesture commands.
Artificial Intelligence continues to expand its presence in Google products. This time, it's the turn of one of the most used components by Android users: Gboard, Google's virtual keyboard. With an installed base of millions of users and massive adoption on mobile devices, the introduction of AI in Gboard marks a before and after in the use of this tool.
From smart correction from texts with a single touch, through the automatic creation of emojis and stickers, to the surprising possibility of scan documents and convert them to textThe keyboard has moved beyond being a simple typing tool and is transforming into a complete AI-assisted input and writing platform. Let's review all of these innovations, one by one.
Advanced auto-correction with generative AI
One of the most notable changes that the use of AI in Gboard has brought is the New correction mode for sentences and entire paragraphs with a simple touch. Under the name of 'Revision' (proofread), this feature differs from traditional spell checker not only in its scope, but in its sophistication. It is no longer limited to correcting typos or detecting misspelled words; it is now capable of rephrase entire texts, improve grammar, and optimize punctuation with a contextual approach.
The basis of this functionality is an advanced language model called PaLM2-XS, which operates under an 8-bit architecture to maintain low resource consumption. This model, designed and trained specifically to detect common errors in text generated from mobile keyboards, is capable of applying high-level corrections without the need for manual intervention.
To activate it, a button simply appears. new button on the toolbar Gboard (titled Fix it or Review), which when tapped, reviews and corrects previously entered text. It also gives the user the opportunity to view the correction proposal before applying it and provide feedback on its accuracy.
If you want to expand your knowledge on this topic, you can read our article on how to Set up suggestions and auto-correction on Gboard.
Assisted Writing: “Help me write”
Inspired by tools like Gmail's smart typing, Gboard's AI incorporates an option titled "Help me write", which allows the user generate short texts based on tone and communicative intention you want to convey. Whether you need to write a formal message for work or something more relaxed for your friends, just select the right tone and let the AI do the rest.
This system can also offer suggestions for completing sentences predictively. As you type, Gboard uses generative models to suggest more appropriate and coherent sentence endings based on previous context, ChatGPT style but integrated directly into the keyboard.
Emoji and sticker creator with Emogen
Another of the most talked about functions is Emogen, the generative emoji and sticker engine that Google has added to Gboard. This tool allows you to create emojis from text descriptions, offering a much freer and more fun alternative to the classic emoji kitchen.
The idea is simple: you type what you want to express (for example, “a cat with glasses on the beach”) and the AI generates an emoji with that content, keeping the aesthetics of the rest of the keyboard icons. This gives rise to a new form of personalized visual communication that adapts to any mood or situation.
In addition, this system also extends to the animated stickers, which can be searched and created from a dedicated search bar within the keyboard. Creation is instant and integrates with other apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. For more information on how to Create your own animated GIFs with Gboard, consult the appropriate article.
Text input with stylus and handwriting
Thinking about devices such as tablets or foldable mobiles, Gboard has introduced a new writing mode with stylus or light penThis system is reminiscent of Scribble in the Apple Pencil, and allows you to write by hand directly on text fields, either with a finger or with a stylus.
In addition to recognizing handwriting and transcribing it as editable text, this feature incorporates smart editing gestures:
- Strike through text by drawing a line over it to erase it.
- Circle words or phrases to select them.
- Draw lines between words to separate or join them.
- Specific strokes for line breaks or quick deletion.
These features significantly improve keyboard interaction on large screens, allowing for a more fluid and natural handwriting experience.
Scanning text with the camera from the keyboard
Another notable novelty is the ability to scan printed documents or texts directly from the keyboard interface, with a new button called “Scan Text.” This tool, clearly based on Google Lens technology, allows point the camera at the text and extract it as if we had written it.
The funny thing is that the full camera app won't open, but the preview appears integrated into the bottom of the keyboard, leaving the active app visible. This greatly improves convenience and functionality, as you can continue viewing the document or conversation while scanning. For those who want Make a voice dictation on Gboard, this function could accompany many writing tasks.
Once the text is captured, it can be edited, specific parts selected, and finally inserted into any application's text field. All this without the need to save images, as the system extracts only the textual content.
Where and when are these features available?
All these new features are being rolled out progressively in beta versions of Gboard, mainly from 13.3 onwardsSome features like Emogen and Proofread have already been seen on Pixel 8 devices, while others like the text scanner are coming to more models.
Google has made it clear that many of these features require sending data to the server In order to provide accurate responses, the text may be stored on its servers for a limited period (e.g., 60 days) for the purpose of continuous service improvement. In any case, the user has the option to disable this feature if they so wish.
Google has made a strong commitment to turning Gboard into a true smart writing center. The keyboard that for years served only to write basic words, is now capable of write for us, correct us, create emojis, interpret handwriting, and even scan printed paperAll of this makes it an essential tool for mobile productivity in the near future.
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