Google's Gboard app has been a smartphone-first layout for the past few years. Now, things are changing as the search giant is paying the same attention to its larger-screen version. The latest update to Gboard brings a tablet-friendly interface that should make typing a lot easier.
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The new Gboard layout for many of the best Android tablets is currently available in the beta channel (v12.3), as spotted by 9to5Google. However, a wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks. The new interface makes the keyboard layout slightly “taller” than the previous version, with each key becoming more square rather than rectangular.
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Additionally, the new design adds more keys to the mix. For example, there's a Tab key in the top left corner and a Caps Lock button just below it. Google has also added left and right arrows next to the spacebar.
Due to the new layout, some support keys have been moved. This means that the Comma and Period keys have been moved to the right side of the M key, where they are usually found on physical keyboards. As a result, the Exclamation mark and Question Mark keys are now hidden inside the special characters and numbers.
Additionally, the dedicated Emoji button has been moved to the left side of the space from its previous location on the right side.
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Compared to the previous layout, the new design will make it easier to press keys on one of the best keyboard apps. However, in portrait mode, the buttons appear narrower than in the previous layout.
While the latest change is said to be available in beta, it doesn't appear to be available to all beta testers. The new layout isn't accessible in the latest beta version of Gboard installed on one of our Android 12 tablets.
Google is rolling out an updated Gboard UI for tablets, after releasing a split keyboard layout for foldables and tablets earlier this year. The move appears to be part of Google's renewed focus on tablets after years of neglect.
Information source: androidcentral.com
