The Gboard application, renowned for its extensive keyboard functionalities, has recently introduced its AI-powered Writing Tools feature, initially launched with Google's Pixel 10 series. This innovative feature is now making its way to select non-Pixel devices, enhancing the user experience across different platforms. Utilizing the robust on-device Gemini Nano model, Gboard’s Writing Tools assists users in proofreading and rephrasing text directly from the keyboard, eliminating the need to switch to separate applications for grammar checks.
The rollout of the Writing Tools feature is closely associated with devices that support the multimodal Gemini Nano model, which is typically found in smartphones equipped with the latest high-end chipsets. Following the unveiling of the Pixel 10 series, Google quickly extended this feature to some older Pixel devices. Now, users of various non-Pixel devices are also experiencing the benefits of this advanced writing tool.
One of the standout aspects of Gboard's Writing Tools feature is its emphasis on user privacy. The functionality operates entirely on-device, which means that your text is never uploaded to the cloud, thus ensuring your data remains secure. This is made feasible by the Gemini Nano model, recognized as the most compact variant of Google's Gemini large language model (LLM), designed specifically for efficient operation in memory-constrained environments like mobile devices.
Initially introduced with the Pixel 8 Pro in late 2023, the Gemini Nano was limited to processing text-only inputs. However, with the launch of the Pixel 9, Google enhanced the capabilities of Gemini Nano, allowing it to handle multimodal inputs, including images and audio. This upgrade has not only benefited Google's own devices but has also extended to select smartphones from other manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.
Developers can integrate the Gemini Nano model into their applications using the new ML Kit GenAI APIs, which Google announced in May. This expanded support is a significant factor in the current rollout of Gboard’s Writing Tools feature to non-Pixel devices. Users have begun to report the presence of this feature on various devices, indicating a broader accessibility beyond the Pixel lineup.
For instance, one user recently discovered the Writing Tools button while adjusting font settings on their OnePlus 13. After tapping the button, they received a message indicating that a download was required to enable the feature. Once the download was completed, the user was able to utilize the Writing Tools for proofreading and rephrasing, highlighting the feature's functionality and ease of use.
According to a support page published by Google, the Writing Tools feature is currently available on the Pixel 9 and later models in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. While the support page does not explicitly list other devices, the successful implementation on devices like the OnePlus 13 suggests that the feature will likely be accessible on any Android device that supports the multimodal Gemini Nano model. This includes most devices equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400 chipsets.
As the Writing Tools feature continues to roll out, users are encouraged to share their experiences in the comments, detailing their device compatibility. Whether you're using a Pixel device or a non-Pixel smartphone, the integration of this AI-powered tool promises to enhance your writing experience significantly.
