Key Takeaways
- Gboard is expected to receive several enhancements, including “SmartEdit,” which aims to expand the current voice-driven feature with generative AI.
- There are hints that Google’s upcoming exclusive Pixel AI might utilize Gboard’s clipboard to insert text into applications.
- Recent leaks have revealed a Google AI project named “Magic Cue,” rumored to provide “time-saving actions” for users who opt in.
With Android 16 now available (at least for Pixel devices), Google is said to be upgrading its default keyboard.
A thorough investigation by tipster AssembleDebug into the latest version of Gboard has uncovered potential new functionalities. The first is “SmartEdit,” which seems to integrate Google’s AI. An early explanation surfaced indicating, “SmartEdit allows you to add, remove, or replace words effortlessly using just your voice.”
This feature will harness Google’s AI capabilities, but there’s a significant caveat: your “edited text will be sent to Google and temporarily processed.”
Moreover, clues about Gboard collaborating with the anticipated Pixel AI were also uncovered. Gboard’s explanation emphasizes a feature we’ve seen before: “complete your task without switching apps.” Speculation suggests that Gboard could utilize this Pixel AI capability to gather information, such as flight details, with minimal user input.
This would allow Gboard to activate its clipboard function, enabling users to quickly paste information without “switching apps.”
Express Yourself
The final significant feature identified by the tipster relates to Android’s Emoji Kitchen. Users will soon be able to save any emoji combinations they create into a “favorites” list, making it easier to revisit those moments of emoji creativity without having to recreate them.
These potential new features are likely still in development and may take some time to arrive. It will be interesting to monitor any substantial Gboard updates in the future. Furthermore, it’s noted that the discovered “SmartEdit” code could be an enhancement of the existing features available on Android. The Google AI Terms of Service may lend credence to this hypothesis.
The mentioned exclusive Pixel AI feature for Gboard pertains to the recently rumored “Magic Cue.” This AI was previously speculated to be named “Pixel Sense” and “Pixie” before that. Magic Cue is believed to have profound access to your personal data, should you grant it permission. Essentially, Magic Cue aims to swiftly comprehend a friend requesting information and verify if you have that information in Gmail or any other connected apps.
The latest rumors suggest that Google is integrating this functionality into its “time-saving actions” for the AI assistant. Discussions are ongoing about how the AI could present this information to users—whether through a custom UI or another method. However, incorporating it into Gboard seems to be the most reasonable approach.