I started using Google’s Gboard keyboard long before I made the switch to Android. Even as a third-party keyboard on an iPhone, I found it better than the native iOS typing experience. With Gboard on Android — and more specifically on its own Pixel devices — Google has consistently added new features and to this day, I consider it best in class (don’t ask me to use an iOS keyboard, please). The single most impressive feature of Gboard, however, doesn’t involve tapping on the keys. Instead, I opt for voice typing whenever possible, and Gboard’s voice typing has been good for so long that it’s easy to take for granted. But Google just one-upped itself in a major way with a brand new voice typing command that absolutely blew my mind: you can now edit your text with the sound of your voice, and it works incredibly well.
How often do you use voice typing? 1379 votes I use it more than I actually type. 28 % I use it sometimes, but I usually just type with my hands. 42 % I never user voice typing. 30 %
From voice typing novice to Gboard power user
Stephen Headrick / Android Authority
Recently, I was voice typing a quick message to a friend. I dictated a sentence or two, and in a brief moment where I paused to consider if I wanted to say anything else, a suggestion popped up at the top of the keyboard. “Next time say ‘Change … to … ,'” it read. I had never seen this prompt before, so naturally I had to try it out. No way this actually works, I thought to myself. I stated what I wanted to change, and Gboard did so flawlessly. Okay, I thought again, no way this works consistently. I tried it again and again and again, and Gboard kept proving me wrong.
As it turns out, I’ve barely scratched the surface in my use of Gboard, and it’s far more powerful and feature-packed than I realized. According to Google’s support documentation, there’s an entire set of commands exclusive to newer Pixel devices. Some of the more advanced features require a Pixel 8 or newer, while the latest features require a Pixel 9 or newer.
Keyboard? More like a superpower
Stephen Headrick / Android Authority
Before my new discovery, I was using some of Gboard’s simpler yet still impressive commands. The most common for me has always been “Send,” which allows you to dictate your text and send it to its recipient with this simple one-word command. I’ve also used “Clear” — which deletes the last sentence you wrote — “Delete last word,” and “Clear all.” These are all pretty straightforward commands, but they’re super handy if you get used to using them.
No way this actually works, I thought to myself. I tried it again and again and again, and Gboard kept proving me wrong.
... continue reading