Google Keyboard for iOS with GIFs, Search, and Swype-based Input in the Works

Alongside the release of iOS 8, Apple’s iDevice users have been able to treat themselves to an ever-increasing array of 3rd party keyboards available in the App Store — many of which boast intuitive features, such as Swype-based input, and darker themes that tend to be easier on the eyes.

And now, according to a recent report, even Google is apparently looking to hop aboard the iOS 3rd party keyboard bandwagon — with its own, specially crafted iOS-compatible soft keyboard, featuring both Swype type, gesture-based input and web search functionality.

According to several individuals familiar with Google’s imminent plans, as originally reported to The Verge, the Mountain View, California, company has reportedly been working on its own 3rd party iOS soft keyboard for “a while now;” and furthermore, the product is currently being tested by several Google employees.

The keyboard is said to feature both gesture-based (Swype) input and web search functionality — which is perhaps the cash cow of Google’s most fervent hopes and dreams, seeing as how the company relies heavily on ad revenue generated by traffic on its search engine.

Unfortunately, as of yet, a functional example of the keyboard in action has not surfaced publicly. However, what we know from the software side of the equation is that these aforementioned sources indicate Google’s iOS keyboard will support gesture-based typing — a la Swype or SwiftKey — in addition to a dedicated Google logo that, when tapped, will present a web search box on-screen. Still unknown, however, is whether or not the search takes place within the keyboard interface, itself, or via Google’s search engine on Apple’s Safari browser — although, seeing as how the Cupertino-company tends to apply strict limitations on products that affect iOS’ UI components that it deems essential to the ecosystem’s user experience, we’re willing to hedge our bets that Google has crafted some sort of work-around on that front.

On another, somewhat related note, Google’s iOS keyboard is also said to boast the ability to instantly search for images and GIF files — presumably via the company’s own image search database.

Unfortunately, it’s unclear as to whether or not — and when, if at al all — Google plans to release its 3rd party keyboard for public consumption. However, if The Verge’s report is indeed accurate, the product is already in the testing phase of development — so it likely won’t be too long until we find out more.

And for those who get a warm and fuzzy feeling from the prospect of gesture-based input, and reducing the amount of steps required to access and ascertain information via the web, the keyboard should someday fill a void in many hearts.

Learn More: New iPhone SE Predicted to Sell 15,000,000 Units

What do you think about Google’s development of an iOS compatible, 3rd party keyboard? What feature are you most looking forward to?

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]