Google's popular keyboard app Gboard continues to evolve with new features that make typing and communication more efficient and enjoyable. The latest update brings a significant redesign to the Emoji Kitchen feature, making it more accessible and user-friendly for Pixel device owners, while also highlighting some of the keyboard's lesser-known but powerful capabilities.
Redesigned Emoji Kitchen Interface
Google has widely released a redesigned Emoji Kitchen feature for Gboard users, following its initial introduction in the December 2024 Pixel Drop. The update transforms how users access and create emoji combinations, replacing the previous gear icon with an arrow next to emoji suggestions. This subtle but meaningful change opens up a whole new world of creative expression through custom emoji combinations.
Key Emoji Kitchen Updates:
- Replaced gear icon with arrow next to emoji suggestions
- New "Browse" section with grid display of emoji combinations
- House icon to return home and clock icon for recently used emojis
- Floating action button (FAB) for accessing the emoji picker
- Ability to see which emojis were used in combinations
- Currently exclusive to Pixel phones and tablets
Enhanced Browsing Experience
The new Browse section presents users with a grid display of different emoji combinations, making it easier to discover new and interesting emoji mashups. Navigation has been improved with the addition of house and clock icons next to the search field, allowing users to quickly return to the main screen or access recently used emojis. This organized approach helps users find the perfect emoji combination without endless scrolling.
Improved Creation Process
Creating custom emoji combinations is now more intuitive with the addition of a floating action button (FAB) in the bottom right corner. Tapping this button brings up the standard emoji picker, where selecting an emoji reveals all possible combinations available with that particular option. This streamlined process makes it easier for users to experiment with different emoji pairings and discover new creative possibilities.
Transparency in Emoji Creation
One of the most useful additions to the redesigned Emoji Kitchen is the ability to see which emojis were used to create a particular combination. By simply tapping on any result, Gboard reveals the component emojis that went into making that specific combination. This transparency helps users understand how combinations are formed and may inspire them to try creating their own unique emoji mashups.
Device Availability
It's worth noting that this redesigned Emoji Kitchen interface is currently exclusive to Pixel phones and tablets. Users of other Android devices with Gboard installed will need to wait for a broader rollout to access these enhanced features. This exclusivity highlights Google's strategy of initially deploying new features to its own hardware ecosystem before expanding availability.
Hidden Clipboard Superpower
Beyond emoji combinations, Gboard harbors another powerful but often overlooked feature: an advanced clipboard history system. The keyboard automatically maintains a record of copied text, accessible through the Clipboard icon (or via the four-square apps button in certain contexts). This allows users to paste multiple blocks of text without constantly switching between apps.
Gboard Clipboard Features:
- Maintains history of copied text
- Allows pinning of frequently used text blocks
- Pinned items remain permanently accessible
- Serves as workaround for apps lacking template features
- Not recommended for storing sensitive information
Pinning Important Text
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Gboard's clipboard functionality is the ability to pin frequently used text blocks. By copying text and then pinning it to the clipboard history, users can create permanent, easily accessible text snippets that won't be deleted over time. This feature effectively creates a simple template system that can be particularly useful for email responses, addresses, or other commonly used text.
Practical Applications
This clipboard pinning capability serves as an excellent workaround for apps that lack native template features, such as Gmail. Users can create standard responses, save them to the clipboard, and quickly insert them when needed. This functionality transforms routine communication tasks, allowing users to respond quickly to simple inquiries while focusing their attention on more complex matters that require detailed responses.
Privacy Considerations
While the clipboard history feature offers significant convenience, users should exercise caution regarding the type of information they store. Sensitive data like passwords or financial information should not be kept in the clipboard, as more secure specialized tools exist for managing such information. Always consider privacy implications when utilizing clipboard features for storing text.