Google has just added yet another interesting feature to Gboard app on Android, a new way to enter symbols. You can now flick keys to enter numbers and symbols, basically, which is exactly what this new feature is called.

Gboard now has a new shortcut for entering numbers & symbols

This is essentially a new shortcut for entering symbols. How does it work? Well, it allows you to quickly enter numbers and symbols via a swipe down, which is what the ‘flick’ means in this case.

You can swipe down on Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O, or P for 1-0, in which case the number in question will briefly replace the letter inside the key in a slide-down animation. It’s a rather subtle animation, though.

It is not enabled by default, though

Now, do note that this is not enabled by default, though. You’ll need to open Gboard settings, and navigate to Preferences -> Shortcuts, and there you’ll see the ‘Flick keys to enter symbols’ option, which you need to enable.

An explanation on how it works is also included. It simply says “touch a key and pull downward to enter its hinted symbol”, it’s quite straightforward, though it takes some time to get used to. You can accidentally trigger glide typing, if you have it enabled. I got used to it pretty fast, though.

Just to be clear, this is a part of the latest stable release of Gboard. It may be a server-side change, though, so even if you have the Gboard 16.2 installed, you may have to be patient to get it. We’re not sure at this point, but we do have the option.

It’s actually quite useful

This is another useful addition by Google. I got used to it pretty fast, and it does make typing more enjoyable for entering symbols, I have to admit. Not that touch&hold option is bad, but this just seems more natural somehow, at least to yours truly.

As a reminder, Google also added a font slider to Gboard not long ago, which is another useful feature, especially if you find the font on the keyboard itself to be too small.

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