Google Japan's annual joke keyboard series spans over a decade of absurd Gboard concepts
Since 2010, Google Japan has released a new novelty keyboard concept each year under its Gboard team banner, ranging from a single-key Morse code keyboard to a robotic joystick-controlled finger, a party-blower keyboard, a bubble-wrap keyboard, a bendable spoon keyboard, a teacup keyboard, and a single-row alphabetical bar keyboard. One of these gag concepts, Morse code input, was later actually added to Android's Gboard in 2018.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The yearly series functions as a marketing and brand-engagement exercise, using humor to keep Gboard visible even when no major product update exists, though Google has not stated this intent outright. The fact that one joke concept eventually became a real feature suggests these prototypes can occasionally double as genuine idea exploration rather than pure comedy.
- Google Japan has released a new absurd keyboard concept nearly every year since 2010.
- Designs include a robotic nail-friendly finger, a bubble-wrap keyboard, and a bendable spoon keyboard.
- Morse code input, first shown as a joke in 2012, became a real Gboard feature on Android in 2018.
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Published there as: “Google Japan created one of the strangest keyboards ever, and we're dying to try it”
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