App reviews: Google's Gboard, Spaces

Gboard

One of Google's latest products isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it could make your texting life easier. Gboard is a new Google-made keyboard with several features that don't come standard on an iPhone. As with other alternate keyboards, users can swipe to type by gliding their fingers over the right keys instead of pecking them out. But the distinguishing feature of Gboard is its built-in search bar, which lets you find links, images and. gifs to share in text messages. It will even suggest emoji while you type.

In what may seem like a bizarre turn, this Google-made keyboard is only available for iOS devices and is not an option for the company's own Android devices. Android users are, however, expected to gain access to Gboard's features soon. Users should also know that, while Google's privacy policy promises that it's not recording what you type, your search history is saved in the same way it would be on google.com. So if you don't want your last search term popping up as a suggestion for your next one, be sure to head into your settings to clear out those old queries. Free, for iOS devices.

Spaces

Google has tried for years to make a successful social network, and it's trying again with the launch of Spaces. Spaces is part chat program, part social network and part organizational tool, and it taps many of Google's services to be as versatile and indispensable as possible. You can easily embed search results, YouTube videos and photos from your own library into a "space," which essentially functions as a private chat room. You can invite friends, co-workers, acquaintances - really, anyone with a Google account - to join you. Spaces are not public and can be deleted or muted.

As is the problem with many new social apps, the real challenge may be finding people who are willing to download yet another app, even if it is to organize something fun. (Or share cat .gifs.) But there's no doubt that if you can persuade others to join you on Spaces, that it's a rich tool for planning, working and even some collective goofing around. In addition to iOS and Android phones, it's also available on the mobile and desktop Web. Free, for iOS and Android devices.

app-reviews