The popular Gboard keyboard for Android is getting a practical upgrade. It now introduces a new shortcut called “Flick keys to enter symbols,” which lets you insert numbers and symbols by simply swiping down on the corresponding key. The feature is included in Gboard 16.2, which is currently the stable release.
You can enable the new option in the app. Gboard via Settings > Preferences > Shortcuts, where you will find the switch “Flick keys to enter symbols: Touch a key and pull down…”. Once the feature is active, just swipe down on a key and the corresponding symbol will be displayed instead of the letter.
For example, the Q to P keys now contain the numbers 1 to 0. Just swipe down on the letter Q and the number 1 will be insertedGboard elegantly animates the transition of the symbol instead of the letter, which helps with orientation when typing.
For an even better overview, it is recommended Google simultaneously turn on the function "Touch & hold keys for symbols", which displays hidden symbols in the corners of the keys, giving you a clear view of what a given key can do when you swipe or hold it.
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However, it is necessary to get used to the new input method - some users may experience unintentional activation of "glide typing", i.e. typing by flicking between letters. If this happens to you, you can go back to the traditional long-press key. The “Flick keys to enter symbols” feature is not enabled by default, but it is already widely availableJust make sure you have the latest version of Gboard.
