Twitter Beta Update Activates Android 7.1 Support For Gboard Keyboard GIF Search

Twitter’s next major update is something to look forward to. For one thing, the application will soon allow for direct searches for GIFs via Google’s keyboard, called Gboard. The beta build that is currently being tested has been leaked to confirm this upcoming feature.

According to Android Police, the next Twitter app update is expected to complement Android 7.1’s feature that enables users to directly insert GIFs into an application using a compatible keyboard. Though Android 7.1 already came with this feature, Twitter didn’t have support for this to work until recently when version 6.33.0-beta.556 was released. The beta build was recently found to support the new functionality.

The new Twitter beta was released on Saturday and it is available for download as an APK that is compatible with Android 4.1 and newer versions. Once the latest beta release is installed, the Twitter app will enable the functionality to search for GIFs on the Gboard keyboard. Inserting a GIF should then be as easy as tapping one from the search results. This feature works with both tweets and DMs, so users can go all out in sending GIFs to their pals or followers.

There is mention of the non-beta release yet, but it won’t be surprising if it’s rolling out in the coming weeks. Ahead of the major update’s release, some testers thanked the team that’s working on the beta build for adding the feature to the Twitter app via Reddit. “Thank u Twitter team. I was waiting [for] this update. It’s really great, user-friendly and smooth,” one wrote.

There were also those who pointed out how the GIF search integration with Gboard is more efficient than having to search for GIFs via the search bar. “Better than the Twitter GIF search,” a tester commented. Another pointed out, “Much better inside the keyboard. More fluid, I think.”

It appears that users should not only be looking forward to the new GIF search feature. A member of the development team working on the update teased via Reddit that more changes are coming to the app. “We hope everyone is enjoying using Gboard! More improvements are coming soon.”