- By Alex David
- Sun, 21 Sep 2025 05:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Gboard, the default keyboard app for most Android users, has just become a little bit more intelligent. Among the list of features Google is said to be testing in the latest beta are AI-driven writing tools, design customization, and tweaks for compact phones.
Flick Keys for Symbols
The beta also adds a “flick keys to enter symbols” capability. If you enable it, users can also type symbols fast by tapping a key and dragging downward — much like Apple’s iPad keyboard works. It can be a bit of an adjustment, but once you get the hang of it, it will save time.
Smarter Number Row for Compact Phones
With the return of smaller Android devices like the Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, and OnePlus 13, Gboard is testing a setting that only shows the number row when entering passwords. This helps save screen space on compact displays while still ensuring convenience.
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AI Writing Tools with Custom Prompts
Google is expanding Gboard’s AI Writing Tools. Users will soon be able to input custom prompts to guide the AI—whether that’s rewriting text, generating fresh content, or improving phrasing. This adds a flexible layer of AI assistance directly in the keyboard.
Optional Key Shapes
Google previously experimented with circular and pill-shaped key designs earlier this year, only to receive backlash. Well, not anymore because Gboard has thrown open the doors to choice by allowing users to pick their own style of key background and keeping customization in the user’s hands.
Availability
Those features are still works in progress, so it might be a while before they’re available to all users. For now, they’re exclusive to Gboard beta testers.