Gboard’s new voice typing UI takes a page out of Gemini’s book

Summary

  • Google is testing a new Assistant voice typing UI on Gboard for easier voice input.
  • The new design has a toolbar with a microphone button, a minimize option, and voice command access.
  • The new features were discovered in a teardown of a beta version of Gboard by Android Authority.

Google is testing a redesigned Assistant Voice Typing user interface (UI) for Gboard. So far, it includes a new toolbar above the keyboard to streamline voice input, make it easier to start and stop voice dictation, and access voice commands.


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The new interface is in beta version 15.0.03.717871796 (via Android Authority). The old floating microphone button is gone, replaced with voice controls integrated directly into the keyboard. It is similar to Google’s Gemini AI interface, and should be more intuitive to use.

Here’s how the new Gboard voice typing UI works

Source: Android Authority

The first thing to notice is the persistent toolbar at the top of the keyboard. This comes with several prominent changes:

  • A Google-colored microphone button on the right to start and stop voice typing.
  • A minimize button to hide the keyboard when not in use.
  • A new info button provides access to supported voice commands.
  • A dynamic text space with a prompt that reads ‘Speak now’ when the Assistant is listening, and ‘Paused’ when voice input has stopped.

There is also a voice command suggestion when speech input is active but not in use. This offers quick actions for improving efficiency. The minimize button gets replaced with a backspace key when users minimize the keyboard. Also, the info button gets swapped for a shortcut to reopen the full keyboard layout.

Gboard’s Assistant voice typing also gains new writing tools in this beta. A teardown of the Gboard app reveals six new voice commands that allow users to rewrite text using their voice. This is Assistant-powered editing for voice typing.

When can we expect the new Gboard UI?

There’s no known date set for the rollout of this new voice typing UI. Google is notorious for gradual feature deployments, and this beta version is currently only available to select testers. It could be months before the redesign reaches everyone.

This could also be a precursor to a complete takeover of Gboard by Gemini. Google is working towards a more natural and efficient voice input across all of its products, and with Assistant seemingly on the way out, it is only a matter of time before users are voice typing with

Gemini
.

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