Google Keyboard updated with new gestures, visual tweaks, one-handed mode, and more

Google Keyboard is a very solid keyboard, but it has seen very few improvements lately. Fortunately, it seems that Google has been saving all the good stuff for one big update, because the latest update to version 5.0 is huge. Here’s a changelog:

• 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
• 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

The update includes a ton of new stuff. There’s a one-handed mode for larger devices, new gestures (sliding left from the delete key deletes entire words, control the cursor by sliding on the space bar), there’s a new theme option for button borders, and a lot more.

One of the bigger feature additions allows you to delete recommended words by long pressing the suggestion and dragging it into a new floating trash bin. Wrongly-suggested words have been the biggest issue for me with Google Keyboard.

The update is rolling out in stages, so you may not see it right now. Head to the Play Store to check for updates, and if you don’t see it, you’ll have to wait a while. What do you guys think of this new update? Leave a comment!

source: androidandme