Google has released a new Google Keyboard 5.0 version, which has new features such as a one-hand mode, an Emoji bar, adjustable height, and plenty more.
The new update is currently rolling out, so don’t worry if you haven’t got it yet. Alternatively, you can download the APK file from the download link at the bottom of the page.
This update is a major one, and Google has gone all out with the new features list. There’s plenty of new stuff and a lot of improvements.
One of the biggest new features is the one-handed mode, which allows you to use the keyboard with just one hand on devices with large screens. Once activated, the keyboard will shrink to one side, either left or right upon your choosing. You can either activate one-hand mode by long pressing the ‘comma’ key or through the preferences menu.
Another useful feature is the ability to adjust the height of the keyboard. Some people may want a larger keyboard, some may prefer it to be smaller. There’s also a new Emoji bar right on top of the numbers keyboard for easy access. Google has included six commonly used emojis in this bar, but it cannot be modified.
You can now delete multiple words in a go by holding the delete key and swiping left. Adjusting the cursor is possible by swiping left or right on the spacebar. The update also allows you to delete a word suggestion by long pressing on it. The suggestions now appear on the top bar when using the slide gesture.
The Google Keyboard 5.0 update also brings some aesthetic changes, such as new key borders in all light and dark themes. Holo themes are no longer present. When you first try the keyboard, a new notification asks if you want to opt in and provide snippets to Google to help improve the keyboard.
Download Google Keyboard 5.0