Google promised to improve its apps for big-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets with the Android 12L update. Those large-screen optimizations became a part of Android 13 last year. During Google I/O 2023, the company announced that it is improving (or has improved) more than 50 apps for foldables and tablets. Now, the Gboard app is getting a similar optimization for tablets.
The Gboard (Google Keyboard) app is getting (via 9To5Google) the split-screen layout for Android tablets. This layout displays an equal number of keys on the left and right sides of the keyboard rather than spreading them equally. This layout makes it easier to type properly when you're holding the tablet in your hand. You can switch back to the normal layout, which might be better when using the tablet on a tabletop.
Gboard's split keyboard layout offers a comfortable typing experience when holding a Galaxy Tab in the hands
The Gboard Beta v12.9.21 shows the split keyboard layout, and you can install it on any Samsung Galaxy Tab device from the Play Store. There is an option to duplicate some keys (for example, v and g keys) between the left and right sides. When you disable this option, some keys on the right side are emphasized.
Last year, this split keyboard layout appeared in Gboard's beta version for foldable smartphones like the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Now, the feature can be accessed on a Galaxy Tab series device. Everyone will get this feature once the split keyboard layout becomes available in the stable version of Gboard.
