Google’s keyboard app for smartphones, Gboard, is rolling out an exciting update that aims to make capturing text in real life faster and more convenient. The latest version of Gboard introduces a new feature called “Text scanning mode,” which allows users to quickly capture real-world text using their smartphone camera.
This new functionality utilizes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to identify the text captured by the camera and seamlessly insert it into the text field of the application being used. To access this feature, users need to update Gboard to version 13.9, which is currently available in beta testing.
Once enabled, the text scanning option will appear alongside other useful tools such as translation, stickers, one-handed mode, and themes within the Gboard interface. This makes it easy for users to quickly digitize notes, extract information from printed documents, or share text digitally.
Google’s initiative to integrate text scanning technology into Gboard follows a similar move by Apple, who introduced a comparable feature for iPhone users in iOS 15.4. However, by incorporating OCR directly into the keyboard app, Gboard offers Android users a seamless transition between capturing text from the real world and inserting it into digital platforms.
For those who do not have access to this feature on Gboard yet, an alternative is to use Google Lens, a standalone app that offers similar text capture and recognition capabilities. However, having this functionality built into Gboard eliminates the need to switch between applications, enhancing the overall user experience.
In conclusion, Google’s update to Gboard brings a convenient and efficient way to capture and use text from the real world, catering to the needs of users who rely on their smartphones for various tasks. This innovative feature showcases Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience and simplifying everyday tasks through technology.
