Introduction to Gboard’s Assistant Voice Typing Toolbar
Gboard, Google’s official keyboard app, has introduced a new feature that enhances voice typing experiences on select devices. Following its debut on the Pixel Tablet, the Assistant voice typing toolbar is now available for Google Pixel smartphones and some non-Pixel devices too. This feature aims to make typing easier, allowing users to dictate text while maximizing their screen space.
What is the Assistant Voice Typing Toolbar?
The Assistant voice typing toolbar is designed to simplify the voice typing process. When activated on a Pixel phone, users will notice a new “Toolbar” icon, represented by two downward arrows, located next to the microphone button. This toolbar replaces the traditional full keyboard with a compact, pill-shaped interface that provides more viewing area.
Key Features of the Toolbar
The Assistant voice typing toolbar includes several useful features:
- Toolbar Button: Located beside the microphone, this button brings up the new toolbar interface.
- Settings Access: Users can adjust the toolbar settings to cater to their preferences.
- Voice Command Display: It shows a list of voice commands available for users to utilize.
- Clipboard Functionality: This feature allows quick access to copied items.
- Translation Features: Directly translate text using the toolbar.
- Emoji Suggestions: Quickly include emojis in your text.
- Switch to Vertical Toolbar: Users can opt to use the toolbar vertically if they prefer.
- Feedback Option: Users can send feedback directly from the toolbar.
The toolbar is designed to be persistent; it remains active the next time you open a text field, enhancing the convenience of voice input until you manually switch back to the keyboard.
How to Use the Assistant Voice Typing Toolbar
Using the Assistant voice typing toolbar is straightforward:
- Activate the Toolbar: Tap the microphone button on your Gboard.
- Begin Dictation: Speak naturally, and the toolbar will transcribe your speech into text.
- Make Adjustments: Use the delete key to correct mistakes, access the clipboard for past entries, or insert emojis using the dedicated button.
- Moving the Toolbar: If you need more screen space, you can move the toolbar to the side in a vertical position.
This new setup makes it easier to multitask, take notes, or respond to messages without having to deal with a full keyboard on the screen.
Availability of the Feature
The Assistant voice typing toolbar started rolling out to Pixel Tablet users earlier and is now accessible on certain Pixel phones. Though the feature may not yet be available to all users, it is set to be gradually rolled out through software updates. Currently, Samsung and some other Android devices also have access to voice typing, but they may not feature the full Assistant experience as seen on Pixel devices.
Benefits of Using Voice Typing
Voice typing offers several advantages, particularly for those who prefer speaking over typing:
- Speed: Dictating text can be significantly faster than typing, especially for longer messages.
- Convenience: Users can send messages or notes while doing other tasks, making it an ideal option for multitaskers.
- Accessibility: Voice typing helps those with mobility challenges or other conditions that make traditional typing difficult.
Conclusion
Overall, the Gboard Assistant voice typing toolbar is a powerful tool that enhances the way users interact with their devices. By enabling easy voice transcription with a user-friendly interface, Google is helping users take advantage of more efficient communication. As the feature expands beyond Pixel phones, more users will likely benefit from this innovative addition to Gboard.
Final Thoughts
As technology continues to evolve, features like voice typing play an essential role in how we interact with our devices. The Gboard Assistant voice typing toolbar symbolizes a step toward a more efficient and accessible digital communication experience.