An update to Google's iOS Gboard app today has introduced 3D Touch into the third-party keyboard, letting users move the cursor by hard pressing and sliding their finger around the keyboard to pinpoint the location they want to land. Gboard's 3D Touch lacks the free-floating cursor of Apple's stock keyboard, however, and simply moves left and right throughout a message, without the ability to track upwards and downwards.

The version 1.2.0 update has also added support for Apple's new iOS 10 emojis, as well as the ability for users to search and share their contacts directly from within the keyboard. Anyone who wants to use the feature must first go to the Gboard app, tap "search settings" and activate "Contacts search," and then they'll be able to access their iPhone contact list directly within Gboard in Messages.

gboard-update-2
The app has gained new themes as well, including a collection of new "Landscape" images that users can download and add onto Gboard with the tap of a button. When it launched in May, Google touted Gboard's advantageous ability to perform Google searches directly within the keyboard of Messages. Apple has made a big deal out of similar abilities in Messages with its new Messages App Store in iOS 10, where users can install smaller-scale apps to find movies, make dinner reservations, and place stickers.

Gboard can be downloaded from the iOS App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tags: Google, Gboard

Top Rated Comments

C DM Avatar
91 months ago
"We won't target ads based on what you type! Promise!"

- Google
Don't allow full access.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C DM Avatar
91 months ago
Useless without microphone :confused:
Aside from many who don't use dictation.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
miknos Avatar
91 months ago
What an useless feature (backgrounds) to add.

-They should change that emoji icon for an comma.
-Make it easier to switch languages.
-Shortcuts for "?" and "!"
-Resizeable keyboard.


I'm a long-time Swype user. GBoard swiping (called glide) is great and free. Congrats.

Path Input has all the features you could possibly want. Unfortunately the swiping is not precise and you'll end up having to correct the text all the time.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ZacNicholson Avatar
91 months ago
I love gboard. when it came out I switched and haven't looked back.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nicksd84 Avatar
91 months ago
Good update. Would be a permanent switch for
me if the 3D touch cursor allowed text selection like the stock keyboard
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CAO 303 Avatar
91 months ago
GBoard already had a nifty cursor placement feature by simply swiping left and right on the spacebar. The 3D touch implementation, in that respect, seems a little redundant...am I missing something?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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