Gboard is testing a revamped voice typing interface on Google Pixel phones through its latest beta program. As reported by Android Authority, this new toolbar design, previously introduced on the Pixel Tablet, is now available in Gboard version 15.0.
A New Look for Voice Typing
The redesigned Assistant Voice Typing toolbar sits above the keyboard, providing convenient access to essential functions. The toolbar includes a microphone button to initiate and pause voice typing, a backspace key for quick corrections, and buttons to toggle the keyboard, minimize the toolbar, navigate between toolbar pages, and change language settings. When activated, the “Speak Now” prompt appears in the toolbar, switching to “Paused” when voice typing is stopped.
Flexible Positioning for Multitasking
One of the key advantages of this new toolbar is its flexible positioning. Users can keep it at the bottom of the screen or drag it to the right side, freeing up valuable screen space for other tasks. Upon pausing voice typing, additional action buttons appear while the voice typing session remains active until the keyboard is reopened.
Limited Availability for Now
Currently, the Assistant Voice Typing toolbar is exclusively available to beta testers with a Google Pixel phone and the Gboard app installed. There’s no official timeline for a wider release to all Pixel users, other Android devices, or iPhones.
Google Pixel 5 owner using Gboard.
Enhanced Control and Convenience
This beta release suggests Google’s ongoing efforts to refine the voice typing experience on its mobile keyboard. The new toolbar offers improved control and flexibility, making voice input more convenient and efficient for Pixel users. While widespread availability remains uncertain, the positive reception of similar features on the Pixel Tablet suggests a promising future for this enhanced voice typing experience.
