The Gboard keyboard is evolving again on Android. A subtle redesign changes the way you access emojis and GIFs. A clearer interface is now being tested for curious users.
Gboard, the virtual keyboard developed by Google, has established itself as an essential reference for Android users. Launched in 2013, it has exceeded 10 billion downloads on the Play Store. This success is explained by its default integration on many smartphones, but also by the richness of its features. In addition to offline voice typing, integrated translation, and text recognition in images, it offers expressive tools such as emojis, GIFs, stickers, and Emoji Kitchen. Recently, an undo function was even added.
According to information spotted by the site LifeHacker, Google is testing a new version of Gboard's Emoji interface. This update is available in beta version for Android users enrolled in the testing program. It brings a complete overhaul of the visual content menu. The goal is clear: to simplify navigation by replacing the old "All" screen with a more readable interface, organized around specific tabs. Each type of visual content—emoji, GIF, sticker, kaomoji, Bitmoji—now has its own space.
Google transforms Gboard's Emoji menu with separate tabs for each content
In this new version, a simple tap on the Emoji button on the keyboard directly opens the default tab, dedicated to classics and Emoji Kitchen. The user can select two to automatically generate personalized combinations at the top of the screen. An arrow button allows you to display more suggestions. The top bar remains accessible to easily switch tabs or return to the classic keyboard using the “ABC” button or the back icon. The whole thing is designed to make accessing content more fluid, without having to go through a confusing and cluttered menu.
The other tabs also make it easier to explore the available options. GIF displays popular suggestions by default and allows you to find those that have been recently been used thanks to a clock icon. The Stickers tab groups together all the installed packs and recently sent stickers. Kaomojis, these symbols composed of characters, are accessible in a separate pane. Finally, one last one is reserved for Bitmoji, provided you have the application installed and an avatar configured. This organization makes each category accessible with a simple gesture, eliminating the clutter of the old interface which mixed everything on a single page.
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