Google has recently updated its Gboard, bringing back a button that many users had missed. The revisions come after a beta version of Gboard left several Android users dissatisfied.
In this beta version, the familiar small circles used for navigating Emojis and GIFs were replaced by larger rectangular buttons. This change resulted in a reduction of buttons on the interface, leading to the unsettling removal of the backspace button.
While the new layout aimed to accommodate users who might prefer larger buttons, it ultimately disappointed those who relied on the backspace functionality. Fortunately, the latest stable version of Gboard has addressed these concerns by reintroducing the backspace button.
With this update, buttons have been resized into smaller squircles, still user-friendly for those who may struggle with larger buttons. This new look restores what many users found crucial and has been welcomed by those who had grown accustomed to the familiar layout.
In this updated Gboard, users can access individual buttons for Emojis, GIFs, and stickers. For those with Pixel 9 devices, there’s an exclusive button for AI-generated stickers, a feature that is likely to carry over to upcoming Pixel 10 models.
This might seem like a minor update, but the reinstatement of the backspace button in its original position is vital for preserving users’ muscle memory. Some users have noticed that the new UI appears left-aligned on certain devices while looking centered on others.
Additionally, there’s a new horizontal carousel to view Bitmoji. Google is rolling out these updates via server-side changes, so it may take some time for everyone to access the new design.
As always with Google, users can expect further updates and changes to Gboard in the future.