Folding phones have surged in popularity over the past few years, but some apps have lagged behind in updating their interfaces. Gboard is one of the guilty parties here; while it’s available on nearly every Google-based device, the on-screen keyboard could stand to look and perform better on foldables.
However, Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman recently noticed a new UI within Gboard while using his Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. He checked on another one of his devices, only to find the new UI was absent — until he updated to version 14.6.02-beta.
The update repositions toolbars, such as the search bar and category option, to make them easier to use on large-screen devices, especially book-style folding phones. You can use your left hand to navigate categories, use the search function, and more while keeping your right hand free to select specific icons.
The primary change is the removal of unnecessary, distracting toolbars that once sat at the top of the screen. Now, those bars have moved to a left-hand column that contains the search bar, recent emojis and searches, and more. You now scroll vertically rather than horizontally through the different categories.
If you are currently participating in the Gboard beta, update your apps. If you install version 14.6.02-beta, you, too, might have access to this new layout.
It’s not a revolutionary change, but it’s a minor improvement with major returns in terms of usability and optimization. Whether you’re a longtime folding phone user or you want to dip your toes into the water, this new Gboard update will make things significantly easier.
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it’s a…
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is about to get a tough new competitor
The foldable phone market is currently dominated by Samsung, particularly with its recent Galaxy Z Fold 6 release. However, another player is entering the scene next month. Honor is expected to launch its latest foldable device before IFA Berlin in September.
On a teaser page for its attendance at the annual European tech event, Honor has displayed a large banner with the slogan “AI unfold your magic,” along with the names “Honor Magic V3,” “Honor MagicPad2,” and “Honor MagicBook Art 14.” The first refers to the company’s latest foldable phone, launched in China in July as a successor to the Honor Magic V2. Honor launched the Magic V3 in China earlier this year, but IFA is where we should see the phone get a global release.
Read more
Can Motorola’s cheap folding phone beat the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in a camera test? I found out
You’ve seen the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. You have looked at it enviously but get put off by the price that’s even higher than it was last year. I know the feeling. But then you see the Motorola Razr 2024, another really good folding phone that could be yours for a lot less. While there are various specification differences, the cameras are closely matched on paper, which will likely come as a surprise given the price difference.
Should you choose the Razr 2024 over the Galaxy Z Flip 6 if you want to take good photos, or is it the other way around? I found out when I put the pair to the test.
The camera specs
Motorola Razr 2024 (left) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Read more
I used the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Here’s why it may be 2024’s best foldable
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold might just be the biggest generational improvement I’ve seen on any foldable device. While Samsung is an old hand in the foldable market, a lot of its tweaks are fairly incremental, with minor improvements to the hinge, some spec bumps, and a few other bells and whistles.
The jump between the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the first Pixel Fold is much more dramatic. Google completely revamped the design, added some cool new Gemini features, and made serious improvements to the specs. The result is a foldable phone that may very well beat out the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in usability and more than matches it in terms of specs. Here’s a first look.
Google’s hardware is outstanding
Read more
