Gboard's long-awaited upgrade: borrowing a page from iPhone's playbook. But is it an admission of defeat or a strategic move?
The beloved Gboard, Google's keyboard app, has been praised for its evolution from a basic AOSP keyboard to the go-to choice on Android. However, one feature that has been sorely missed is a cursor, and it seems Google might finally be addressing this shortcoming. Interestingly, the solution is inspired by none other than Apple's iOS.
A recent discovery by Android Authority in the latest Gboard beta APK reveals a hidden cursor mode. This feature aims to revolutionize text editing by transforming the keyboard into a virtual trackpad, enabling users to move the cursor freely across the screen. Say goodbye to the tedious process of holding and sliding on the space bar to adjust your cursor!
Here's where it gets controversial: Apple's iOS has had a similar cursor mode for years, initially introduced with 3D Touch. While it was once limited to specific hardware, iOS 12 brought this feature to all iPhones, making cursor adjustments a breeze. But is Google's adoption of this idea an acknowledgment of Apple's superiority in this aspect, or a smart move to enhance user experience?
Admittedly, the iPhone's cursor functionality is lightning-fast and precise, especially compared to Gboard's current method. However, Google's keyboard still reigns supreme in many other ways. With this upcoming update, Gboard could become the undisputed champion of virtual keyboards, combining the best of both worlds.
The new cursor mode in Gboard shares many similarities with iOS, including the spacebar shortcut and the virtual trackpad. The main difference lies in the cursor's ability to move outside the text field, which might be a temporary quirk. And this is the part most people miss—Google isn't afraid to learn from its competitors. After all, they recently introduced the much-requested bottom address bar in Chrome on Android, showing their willingness to adapt and improve.
While we eagerly await the official rollout, one can't help but wonder: will this feature feel like a seamless integration or a borrowed idea? And is it fair to compare the two when Gboard offers so much more? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Are you excited about this update, or do you think it's a step in the wrong direction?
