Gboard is testing offline voice typing

If you wanted to dictate a message using Gboard, you previously needed to be connected to the internet to do so. But what if there are times you aren't online and you want access to this feature. Or you'd rather not send out your voice data to Google? Well, Gboard is testing out offline voice typing. This video hows how it works and it seems to be working pretty well. Also, it doesn't take up that much space at 85MB. Google hasn't officially pushed this feature out so they might be working out some of its kinks. 

Source: XDA Developers

Gboard introduces floating keyboard to Android app

While not exactly a new, groundbreaking feature, a new floating keyboard mode is coming to Gboard on Android. Version 7.6 of the app will let place the keyboard where you want to. If you want to use it, just head over to the expanded menu option on the top left corner of the keyboard. When you have this on, you can freely move the keyboard where you want to and resize it if you want. 

Source: XDA Developers 

Create ‘Mini’ sticker versions of you on Google’s Gboard

With Google slowly phasing out its Allo chat app, some of its features have been making its way to its other products. One of these is the newly launched “Mini” stickers coming to Gboard. These first debuted on Allo as “selfie stickers” but now you can create “Mini” versions of yourself on iOS and Android via Google’s keyboard app. Gboard will let you take a selfie and combines machine learning, neural networks, and artist illustrations to create the best possible Mini version of you that you can use as stickers. These Minis take into account things like your skin tone, hair color and style, eye color, facial hair, and face shape.

Once you take a selfie, it’ll then generate an avatar and pack of 100 stickers that you can use. The designs even come in Bold and Sweet modes so you have a sticker to use when you don’t want to use words to express how you feel. The gif above shows how you can create your own Mini sticker. It hasn’t rolled out to our device yet but we’re expecting it to come soon.

Source: Engadget

Gboard beta app lets you make your own GIF

If you’re using the beta version of Google’s Gboard keyboard, there’s one new feature for you to check out: you can now make your own GIFs. It’s rather simple to make one. All you need to do is head to the keyboard and select the Emoji icon. From there, tap on the GIF button and you should see the Make a GIF option. When you select this, your camera app will open and it’ll let you make a GIF using either front or rear cameras. It’ll let you add effects before you start recording.

Source: Android Authority + Android Police