Google’s ubiquitous Gboard keyboard might soon offer a much-anticipated feature: font selection. Currently, the app rigidly adheres to its default typeface, ignoring any font preferences set system-wide. A recent discovery within the Gboard beta suggests this could be changing.
While this is undoubtedly a step forward, it’s essential to temper expectations. The forthcoming font option appears to be a binary choice: either stick with Gboard’s default or mirror the system font. This limitation is a direct consequence of Android’s current inability to support global font changes. Some manufacturers, such as Samsung and OnePlus, have introduced custom skins that circumvent this restriction, offering users a degree of font customization.
For those fortunate enough to own a device with such skin, the new Gboard feature could enhance visual consistency. However, the majority of Android users will find the feature’s utility somewhat circumscribed.
It’s crucial to remember that this feature is still in development, and Google’s ultimate plans remain shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, the prospect of granular font control within Gboard is undeniably enticing. Here’s hoping it’s the first domino to fall in a broader push for comprehensive font customization across the Android ecosystem, eliminating the need for third-party interventions.
