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Gboard is now rolling out an important fix to Android devices while in landscape orientation. This fix helps with the aspect ratio of the keyboard while devices are in landscape orientation. Currently, beta testers have access to this fix and are releasing details on it to the public.
By switching devices to landscape mode, the Gboard app now activates its floating window. Users of the stable app can’t access this feature, as it is currently under testing. It eradicates the massive landscape keyboard layout that the app has at the moment.
However, a floating keyboard in the middle of a device’s landscape interface might not sit well with some users. Most users don’t even switch their smartphones to landscape mode, so this feature will make more sense with tablets. Google permits users to customize the new floating keyboard interface for devices in landscape orientation.
Details on the new floating Gboard that is rolling out for devices in landscape orientation
Beta testers are now reporting that the new Gboard version 13.6 pulls up the floating keyboard for devices in the landscape. This will replace the large and difficult-to-use keyboard layout that is currently accessible on regular devices. The floating keyboard will mimic the regular keyboard that is available for use on devices in portrait orientation.
But there are a few issues that one can point out about using a floating keyboard in landscape orientation. These issues are peculiar to regular-sized smartphones due to their screen size and aspect ratio. Google knows this and gives beta testers the ability to customize certain aspects of the floating keyboard while in landscape orientation.
One customization feature is the ability to move the floating keyboard around the interface. Gboard will remember and maintain the location that the user drags the keyboard to for easy access when they need to type. Users can also edit or customize the size of the floating keyboard to suit their taste.
To adjust the size, users can drag on any edge of the floating keyboard window. But for those that don’t like the looks of this new floating keyboard, they can switch to the old keyboard. By simply dragging the floating keyboard to the bottom edge of the screen, users can switch back to the regular landscape orientation keyboard.
Is this the best fix for the large and uncomfortable landscape orientation keyboard? Can Google work on a fix that will make typing while the device is in landscape easier? Well, you can expect the new floating Gboard for landscape orientation to hit your device in the coming weeks.
