Google tests Gboard feature that alerts you when a relevant GIF, search, emoji or sticker is available

A new feature is reportedly being tested for the Gboard QWERTY app, which will alert a user when something relevant to what he is typing about is available. Here is how it works according to Android Police. If someone is typing and Gboard figures out that it has information related to the word or name being typed, the Google "G" in the predictive bar will turn into a GIF icon, a search icon, a smiley face and more.

If the name of a celebrity is typed in, the "G" may turn into the search icon (see the image at the top of this article). Tapping on it will bring up cards with a search result for that celebrity. Typing on certain words like congratulations will turn the "G" into the GIF icon. Clicking on it will bring up a selection of animated images. This isn't something amazing; after all, the current version of Gboard allows users to quickly find GIFs, stickers, emoji and information. But instead of requiring a user to initiate a search for such things, this new feature brings suggestions to the typist.

The new feature is being pushed out to a limited number of Android users via a server-side update. If you can't find this on your phone, there probably is a good reason for that; you haven't been sent it. Google has been testing this since July, and perhaps we will soon see this roll out officially to all typing on the Gboard QWERTY.

source: AndroidPolice