Gboard New AI Powered Writing Tool For Better Messaging.

Google is fundamentally changing how we type on our phones by integrating advanced artificial intelligence directly into Gboard. This new feature, officially called "Writing Tools," leverages the on-device Gemini Nano model to provide a seamless, private, and powerful writing experience. As this update rolls out to more Android phones, here is a comprehensive look at what the feature does, how to use it, and what it means for mobile communication.

What Are Gboard's New AI Writing Tools?

The Gboard Writing Tools are a suite of generative AI features designed to assist with drafting and refining text. Unlike cloud-based tools, all processing happens securely on your device, ensuring that your data remains private. This feature is a significant leap beyond simple autocorrect, offering a range of capabilities that can be accessed with a single tap.

The primary functions include:

• Proofread: Instantly scan and correct your text for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. This is a one-tap solution for cleaning up your messages.
• Rephrase: Offers alternative phrasing for your text. This can be used to improve clarity, make a message more concise, or simply find a better way to express an idea.
• Tone Adjustment: Adjust the tone of your writing to fit the context. Options include making your text more Professional, Friendly, or adding Emojis for a more expressive tone.

How to Use the New Gboard Feature: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using the AI writing tools is designed to be intuitive. If your device supports the on-device Gemini Nano v2 model (found in flagship phones with chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and MediaTek Dimensity 9400), you can follow these steps:

1. Look for the Icon: Open any app where you can type, like Gmail or Messages. A new pencil with a star icon will appear in the Gboard toolbar, either next to the microphone icon or within the menu.
2. Tap to Activate: After typing or selecting a paragraph of text, tap the Writing Tools icon.
3. Choose a Function: A menu will pop up with options like "Proofread," "Rephrase," and various tone adjustments.
4. Review and Apply: The AI will generate a suggestion. You can then review the new text and, if you like it, tap "Use this" to replace your original text.

It's important to note that the first time you use the feature, it may require a brief one-time download and a stable internet connection for setup, but all subsequent processing is done offline.

Gboard Gets a New Font Size Setting.

Gboard for Android is receiving a new update that gives users more control over their keyboard's appearance. The update introduces a standalone "Font size" setting, which allows you to adjust the size of the keyboard's font independently of the system-wide display and text size settings.

This feature is particularly useful for users who prefer a smaller or larger system font but don't want the keyboard's keys to be disproportionately sized. The new setting ranges from 85% to 200%, with "Match System" being the default. When you change the font size, the letters, numbers, and tool icons on the keyboard are adjusted accordingly, but the size of emojis and their category titles remain unchanged.

How to Change Gboard's Font Size?

1. After receiving the update (currently rolling out to Gboard beta version 15.9), you may see a "Keyboard font size updated" banner on your Gboard.
2. Tap the gear icon on this banner to be taken directly to the new setting.
3. Alternatively, you can manually navigate to the setting by going to Gboard Settings > Preferences > Font size.
4. Use the slider to adjust the font size to your preference, from 85% to 200% of the default size.

This update is part of Google's ongoing effort to bring a more personalized and cohesive experience to its apps through the Material 3 Expressive design language and simplifying Gboard Settings.

Google Simplifies Gboard Settings for a Smarter Keyboard.

Google is significantly reorganizing the Gboard settings menu, a change designed to make the keyboard's extensive customization options easier to find and manage. This update simplifies the user experience by centralizing related settings and introducing new, clearly defined sections.

The most notable changes are found within the "Preferences" and "Text correction" sections, which have been streamlined to reduce clutter and improve navigation.

Simplified Settings for a Smarter Keyboard.

The "Preferences" menu has been updated with new sections that group related toggles and options. For example, the "Suggestion strip" toggle, which controls the bar that appears above the keyboard, has been moved to a new "Layout" section. Other settings have been combined into new "Shortcuts" and "Key tap" sections, making it easier for users to find and adjust common behaviors without having to search through a long, unstructured list.

Renamed and Refined Corrections & Suggestions.

The "Text correction" page has also been completely overhauled. It has been renamed to "Corrections & suggestions" and is now divided into four new, logical sections:

• Automatic corrections: For settings related to features like autocorrect and capitalization.
• Spelling & grammar: To manage spelling and grammar-related suggestions.
• Suggestions: For controlling word and phrase suggestions.
• Writing tools: A new section for more advanced writing aids.

A new standalone toggle for "Word suggestions: Show in suggestion strip" has also been added, providing more granular control over the suggestion bar's behavior.

This reorganization is part of Google's ongoing effort to refine the user experience across its core products. By making the Gboard settings more intuitive, Google is making it easier for users to personalize their typing experience, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and satisfaction.

Gboard Update Brings Direct Autofill for Passwords & Credit Cards.

Gboard, Google's popular keyboard app, is rolling out a significant update that directly integrates "Autofill with Google," promising a much more seamless and convenient way to access your saved passwords and payment methods. This anticipated feature was first hinted at in Google Play Services release notes and is now starting to appear for beta users.

Currently, Gboard often suggests saved credentials, but if those suggestions don't appear, users are forced to manually open Google's Password Manager or their payment app to copy and paste information. This new integration aims to eliminate that friction entirely.

Here’s how you can start using this feature today:

1. Update your apps: Make sure you’re on Gboard beta version 15.7.5+ and Play Services 25.30+.
2. Enable Autofill: Go to Settings → System → Languages & input → Virtual keyboard → Gboard
3. Find and enable “Autofill with Google”.
4. Position the icon: You can pin this feature to Gboard’s suggestion strip for quick access.

Once enabled, users will be prompted to "Use Autofill with Google" within Gboard's settings. A new icon, distinguished by a square with an asterisk and a corner pencil, will then appear in the keyboard's shortcut grid, and can even be moved to the prominent suggestions strip for quick access.

Tapping this new Autofill icon opens a dedicated interface directly within the Gboard window, offering two clear options: "Passwords" and "Payment methods." For passwords, the system intelligently displays only the credentials relevant to the app you're currently using, streamlining the process even further. Credit and debit card autofill will, as expected, require a security code for added protection.

This "Autofill with Google" capability is being spotted by users on the latest Gboard beta (version 15.7.5.787916401) and requires Google Play Services 25.30 or newer. While not yet widely available, the relatively quick turnaround from its initial mention in Play Services notes suggests a broader rollout could be imminent.

This update is poised to significantly enhance the overall user experience, making password and payment autofill far more reliable and efficient for millions of Gboard users.