Gboard is one of the best Android keyboards at this point, thanks to multiple new features and unmatched voice-to-text accuracy. However, it seems the company isn’t done experimenting with Gboard just yet. For those unaware, with the launch of the Pixel 10 series, Google added AI-powered Writing Tools to Gboard. The feature focuses on rewriting or improving text using the in-house Gemini AI model. Now, a new report suggests that Gboard could soon use screenshots and chats to draft much better replies than yours.
Gboard may soon be able to write messages for you using chat context, screenshots, and custom prompts
As reported by Android Authority, Gboard could soon understand chat context and screenshots to generate replies for you. The findings were reported citing latest Gboard beta build. Per the report, Google is reportedly testing custom prompts for Writing Tools. As of now, you can pick from preset styles like “Professional,” “Friendly,” or “Emojify.” However, a future version of Gboard could reportedly allow you to type custom instructions and get better chat replies.
Notably, context awareness is also a part of Google’s big plan to revamp the Gboard experience. Some code strings spotted by the news outlet hint that Gboard might read chat content or even screenshots to better understand chat context before generating replies. In the case of screenshots, you might require Gboard to grant gallery access permissions first.
In an example noted in the report, you may soon be able to tell Gboard things like “make this less robotic,” “add corporate jargon,” or even “turn this into a joke.” Once processed, Gboard will rewrite a reply for your chat as instructed. Interestingly, Google also appears to be testing AI-generated message drafting tools similar to Gmail’s “Help me write” feature. Gboard could reportedly generate fresh messages from scratch based on user prompts.
Image credit: Android Authority
All the processing will likely happen on-device
The report further mentions that all the processing while using Gboard’s new feature, like understanding chat context and screenshots, will likely take place on-device rather than on the cloud. As of now, the new features appear limited to text for devices low on RAM. As with Writing Tools, it seems all new Gboard features might only work on flagship Android smartphones that fulfill the minimum requirements for Gemini Nano. With Google I/O 2026 scheduled to go live later today, we expect to hear more about this from the company.
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