This deep integration comes into play when you enter the text that isn’t in the default language of your device.
Let’s say you open Google Translate on a phone where English is the default and select Spanish as the language to “Translate from” (on the left). Upon opening the text field to start typing, you’ll notice that Gboard is using the Spanish keyboard — as evidenced by the ñ in the first screenshot below.
The Translate app automatically changed Gboard to the appropriate language for text entry with the full character set (as needed) available. This makes typing more accurate and saves users from having to manually go into Gboard settings.
The globe icon also appears to switch back when appropriate. Once you exit the translation screen, Gboard returns to your default language.
Previously, after selecting a different language pairing, you’d just enter text in whatever was the device default.
How to create new emojis in Emoji Kitchen
Since this tool is a product of Gboard, you’ll need to download and be using that keyboard if you aren’t already. If you’re using a Google Pixel, you’ll likely be using Gboard. If not, you can head to the Google Play Store and download Gboard for free.
After setting up and getting Gboard ready to use, simply head into your favorite messaging app to use Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen. In this guide, we’ll be using Google Messages since we know it works properly. Here’s how to use the Emoji Kitchen:
1. Head into a messaging app.
2. Tap in the text bar to get Gboard to appear.
3. Tap the emoji icon to the left of the space bar.
4. Scroll through and find a base emoji you want to start with. In this instance, we’ll choose Scorpion.
5. Note: You can search for emojis by tapping and typing the name of it in the bar labeled Seach emoji.
6. Next, find the emoji you want to pair the first one with. In this case, we’ll go with Fire.
7. You’ll see a combination emoji appear in the section above the keyboard. You can tap that new emoji to get it ready to send.
There are a few things to note about creating emojis in the Emoji Kitchen. First off, if you choose an emoji expecting it to do something with another and no combination is available, a ghost graphic will appear with the text “Nothing to see here.” Second, if you choose a base emoji that has combinations available and try to pair it with an incompatible emoji, you’ll see the ghost again but also some combination suggestions you can choose from. In fact, most emojis you choose will come with Emoji Kitchen suggestions to pick from if you don’t have a specific one in mind.
How to bring back the blobs
If you remember the old iteration of Android emojis, you’ll remember they were blobs. While they don’t have a home in your armory of emojis under normal circumstances, there is a way you can turn compatible emojis into blobs again. All you have to do is find the Magic Wand emoji (🪄) and then tap any other compatible emoji. After those two are in your text bar, Gboard will suggest one of those all-too-familiar blobs for you to send as a sticker.
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