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Google Keyboard is getting a major update, including one-handed mode and more

The latest major update to Google Keyboard is out, and there are quite a few new options for users.

According to Android Central, these are the new features:

  • Option to show key border, no more holo themes

  • One-handed mode

  • Long-press for hinted symbols can be toggled

  • Adjustable keyboard height in settings

  • New first-run experience

  • Opt-in and a setting for sharing snippets with Google to improve the keyboard for everyone

  • Long-press and drag to remove suggestions from suggestion bar

  • Gesture Typing:

  • Dynamic floating preview removed (preview in suggestion bar now)

  • Delete whole words by sliding left from delete key

  • Gesture cursor control by sliding left/right on space bar

  • Faster access to numpad and emoji

As we can see from the first-run experience, we're immediately given the option to choose a theme and if we want to see borders around the keys. The lack of borders was something that newer versions of the keyboard received criticism over.

Users will also be able to resize the keyboard, using a slider in the app's settings.

Of course, the big news here is the introduction of a one-handed mode. Users can implement this in two different ways. The obvious way is through the app's settings, which allows the user to choose between a left and right-handed mode. Once using the feature, there's an obvious button to switch from right to left (or vice versa) and a button to exit the mode.

The less obvious way is to hold down the comma or search/enter button to enter left-handed or right-handed modes, respectively. There is no indication that these can be used as shortcuts, so you might want to keep this in the back of your mind.

Another interesting feature is that the app detects when you're trying to enter a password, and it turns the suggestion bar into a number row.

Google Keyboard 5.0 isn't available for everyone through the Play Store just yet, but you can grab it from APK Mirror if you just can't wait.

Source: Android Police

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