The new version of google keyboard, Version 5.2, included in the Android 7.1.1 developer preview, features a number of new features, most notably... Image keyboard supportThe interesting thing about this new text input system feature is that the keyboard is now complemented by the GIF support.
This feature allows an application to use the keyboard to Attach images, stickers, and animated GIFsFor this to be possible, the keyboard and the application must be compatible with this new feature, as is the case with the Google keyboard on Android Nougat 7.1.1 and the Google Messenger app. In addition, the keyboard's built-in search function makes it easy to find the perfect GIF without leaving the conversation and remember the ones you use most often.
The feature is open to developers Starting with the Android 7.1.1 Preview version, this means that in addition to enjoying GIF support in the Google app, support for GIFs could soon begin. other apps like Facebook Messenger and Snapchat. We could even use the Google keyboard to add GIFs on WhatsApp When the messaging app is officially updated to allow working with these multimedia files. Apps like Hangouts They incorporated an image keyboard with GIF support, and Twitter for Android It even enabled it in its beta channel, expanding sources beyond GIPHY.
Searching for GIFs on the Google keyboard
The implementation of this feature in the Google keyboard is not very different from what we can find in other alternatives like Fleksy, where users They're looking for a GIF file from a large library to add it to the conversation as if it were any other text. In Gboard, you'll also see categories At the bottom, a field of Search by Keyword at the top and a section of “frequently used”Some queries may not return results if they match terms restricted by the sources.
To access this GIF search in the latest version of the Google keyboard, you simply need to click on the icon which gives access to the emoji catalog. At the bottom right, next to the space bar, you'll find the new GIF menuLogically, for it to appear on your screen you will need a compatible smartphone with the operating system, that is, the Google Pixel or Google's Nexus 6P and 5X range, and with apps that accept rich content from the keyboard.
Android Nougat 7.1 includes numerous surprises under its list of official features that go beyond the inclusion of support for GIFs in the google keyboardWithout going any further, we were talking about new smart storage manager which allows users to automatically save space on Android thanks to integration with Google Photos.
How to access, search, and send GIFs step by step
- Open the chat and tap the emoji iconYou'll see the button GIF next to the space bar.
- Explore the categories and GIFs popular or frequent that you have used.
- Use the GIF finder to filter by keywords and choose the one that fits best.
- Confirm the shipment and the keyboard will insert the GIF file as image in the compatible app.
Common sources for these GIFs include GIPHY, Tumblr and Imgur (among others), which multiplies the available variety. If your keyboard or the app doesn't support this feature, you'll see that the GIF button doesn't appear or that the app will treat the GIF as an attached image.
Compatibility, requirements and supported apps
For sending GIFs to work, two conditions must be met: Android 7.1 or higher on the device and that both the keyboard and enforcement recipients support this function. Gboard and alternatives such as chroma They integrate it, and apps like Google messages, Hangouts o Twitter (in their beta channel) they have enabled it. In others, such as Facebook Messenger o gmailAvailability may vary by version. If an app doesn't support it, some keyboards mimic the behavior. inserting the image as if you attached it from the gallery, but it's not a "native" keyboard GIF.
In reference devices such as Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C and the family Nexus 5X/6PThe GIF button appears when you upgrade to a compatible level. On messaging platforms that already include their own search engine (for example, Messenger), the Gboard catalog adds additional sources Beyond GIPHY, expanding the available selection.
How it works at a technical level: CommitContent API
Since Android 7.1 (API level 25) the SDK includes the CommitContent APIa standard way for keyboards (IMEs) to send rich content (images, stickers, GIFs) directly to an app editor. The flow is simple: the editor declares the MIME types Once accepted, the keyboard reads them and, upon selecting a GIF, performs commitContent() sending an InputContentInfo with a URI Of content.
- El edittext It outlines the supported formats in EditorInfo.contentMimeTypes.
- The IME only displays content according to those types, and the user selects the GIF.
- The keyboard confirms with commitContent() and the app receives the URI to insert it.
Key details for developers: publishers must indicate MIME types valid formats (e.g., image/gif, image/png), ignore unsupported formats, and manage content without moving the cursor. The IME typically serves content from a ContentProvider owns and grants temporary permits via grantUriPermission or the flag INPUT_CONTENT_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSIONFor compatibility, the support library offers auxiliary methods and receptors such as OnReceiveContentListener.
Other new features in Android 7.1 that complement the experience
Beyond the GIF keyboard, Android 7.1 introduced new emojis (professions in man/woman y various skin tones), single-parent families and additional symbols, expanding the repertoire for expressive conversations. Also included was Smart storageintegrated with Google Photos to free up space by deleting backed-up files, and usability tweaks such as the gesture of swipe to reply in the Phone app. These are changes that, along with the keyboard, improve the day to day in messaging.
GIFs remain a universal language in chats. With Gboard and Android 7.1, their use becomes even more widespread. direct, fast and compatible with a growing number of apps; and for developers, the API unifies implementation and reduces application-specific patches.