Keyboard dedicated for Indian users
Google Indic Keyboard is a utility tool developed by Google, a company that pioneers in providing Internet-related services and products. This particular keyboard application is specifically dedicated to people who reside in the Indian subcontinent. It enables these users to type messages, update on social networks, or compose emails in their native language or dialects. It supports keyboards for various Indian dialects such as Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, to mention a few.
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How do I install Google Indic Keyboard?
This lightweight keyboard application is available to download for free from the Google Play Store. Although, once you have it in your installed, the process of enabling it will vary depending on the device that you are using. For the newer version starting from Android 5.x and later, you will need to go to your 'Current Keyboard' tab under the Language & Input and Keyboard & Input method sections in your settings.
Afterward, choose 'Keyboards' and tick the 'Google Indic Keyboard' box. Go back to the 'Current Keyboard' section to select the 'English & Indic Languages (Google Indic Keyboard)' option. For lower versions starting from Android 4.x and below, you will have to check the 'Google Indic Keyboard' option under the same setting sections mentioned. After that, you will have to click the 'Default' selection and choose 'Google Indic Keyboard' again in the 'Choose input method' dialog.
This keyboard app offers four different modes of input. The Transliteration mode enables you to receive output in your first language by spelling out the pronunciation using English letters. Native keyboard and Handwriting mode, on the other hand, allows you to type directly in your origin language and write directly on your screen respectively. Lastly, the Hinglish mode lets you choose 'Hindi' as an input language which will then suggest both English and Hinglish terms on your keyboard.
Expanded language support and phonetic typing
Google Indic Keyboard supports 11 major Indian languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. These language options make it a versatile choice for many regional users across India who prefer typing in their native script directly on mobile devices. Google has emphasized phonetic typing in this keyboard, enabling users to type familiar English spellings, which are then intelligently transliterated into the selected Indic language, improving typing speed and accuracy for users new to native scripts.
Integration with modern Android input methods
Although Google Indic Keyboard is a dedicated tool for Indian languages, many users now benefit from integrated multilingual support available in Google’s newer keyboard system, Gboard—which includes a wider range of languages and features like glide typing, voice dictation, emoji suggestions, and GIF search. Gboard also supports many Indic languages alongside global ones, and users who prioritize advanced features may choose it for a richer typing experience while still leveraging Indic scripts when needed.
Comparison with standardized Indian keyboards
For users interested in standardized layouts, the InScript keyboard layout is the government-recognized standard for Indian scripts on computers and some mobile platforms. Although Google Indic Keyboard focuses on phonetic and handwriting input modes, InScript remains useful for users who learn traditional layouts and want consistent typing across devices. InScript is supported on many Android devices but may not be as intuitive for beginners as the phonetic methods provided by Google Indic.
Alternate open-source Indic keyboards
Community projects like Swarachakra and other open-source Indic keyboards offer alternatives for users seeking broader script support or different typing workflows. These keyboards focus on providing elegant and efficient interfaces for several Indian languages—often including layouts like InScript and phonetic options—and may appeal to users who want more control or free software options beyond the official Google offering.
Best choice for Indian-based users
Google Indic Keyboard is a mobile keyboard application that is easy to recommend to any user residing in India who wants to write in their own native language. It serves comprehensive Indian-based language options and customizations that are not that common in other similar keyboard apps. It is easy to enable with few simple taps in your settings so you can start using it right away.
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