Google, with its user-centric approach, has been diligently improving the Android experience for foldable and tablet devices. The company’s recent release, Android 12, where ‘L’ stands for large screen, is a testament to this. Android 13, on the other hand, focuses on app optimization, making it an integral part of the overall user experience. During the Google I/O 2023 keynote, the company shared that it has more than 50 Google apps for foldable and tablet smartphones. One of these apps is the Google Keyboard app, which has received similar optimization, specifically beneficial for tablets and foldable smartphones.
We have seen how popular foldable smartphones have become and how they have improved in recent years. Samsung’s examples of foldable smartphones are Fold, Oppo Find Flip, and even Google’s Pixel Fold, an upgraded version of GBoard for foldables and tablets. The update is being rolled out and will soon be available on all foldable and tablet devices.
GBoard for Foldable Smartphones with Split Keyboard Functionality
This new layout, the Split Keyboard, is a game-changer for larger-screen Android devices. Last year, Google introduced the beta version of GBoard for foldable smartphones, and it is expected to be rolled out in stable form by the end of this year to all Android tablets that support Gboard. There are two different Split Keyboard layouts, one with the same amount of keys on either side and one where it splits at the cutoff without any repeated keys. Users can toggle to turn the Split Layout on or off to Include Duplicated Keys option from the GBoard Settings > Preferences > Layout. This feature is designed to make typing on larger screens with one hand a breeze, giving you more control and convenience.
After enabling the Split Keyboard on your device, the keyboard will be divided into two halves with an equal number of keys on the left and right sides, making it easier to use on larger screens with one hand. This is currently in beta, which you can download from the Google Play Store, and will be rolled out to a stable release in the future. To enable Split Keyboard on GBoard, follow these instructions:
- Open GBoard Beta on your device and then tap on Settings.
- From there, tap on Preferences, and then tap on layout.
- The toggle will enable the “Split layout to include duplicate keys” option.
To join the beta, open the Google Play Store and search for Gboard. Scroll down to find the Beta option in the Gboard tab on the Google Play Store. Once you find the Beta button, tap on it, and then tap on Join. Joining the beta might take some time. However, you can also install the beta APK for the GBOARD to test this feature.
It’s important to note that the quality of the updates is being rolled out gradually to ensure a smooth transition for all users. This means it might take some time before reaching everyone. Another notable thing is the keyboard’s visual cues: the keyboard will have a G icon where the blue G appears if you are using the standard keyboard layout and a white G if you are using the Split Keyboard layout. The redesigned toolbar, which first appeared in February for some users, still needs to be widely rolled out. The toolbar tile allows users to switch between standard and split keyboard options, further enhancing the user experience.
If the Split Keyboard doesn’t suit your preferences, you can easily switch back to the standard layout. By default, some keys, such as V and G, are duplicated between the left and right sides, making them more accessible for one-handed typing. This feature is particularly beneficial for larger devices, as it ensures the keys are easily reachable from the edges of the display, enhancing productivity.