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Google reportedly developing search-focused keyboard for iOS

Google is looking to put its search in any app within iOS.
Written by Jake Smith, Contributor
googlenowios.jpg
CNET/CBS Interactive

Google has made a search-focused keyboard for iOS that has been in development for months, according to The Verge, but it's not clear when the search giant plans to release it.

The keyboard, available to use on iOS through its third-party keyboard support, will feature gesture-based typing with word prediction, the ability to launch traditional Google web search, and the ability to search images and GIFs.

Having control over the keyboard gives Google the ability to have its search functionality in any app, at any time. The more searches Google can launch, the more opportunities it has to serve users advertisements.

iOS' support for third-party keyboards is a little wonky. Users must sort through the keyboards, as there is no ability to set a default, like on Android.

Further, Google hasn't officially confirmed the keyboard, and it could just an internal project that will never be released. However, Google's iOS team is heavily involved in cranking out software for the competing mobile platform.

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