Gboard

Google Japan has revealed a 3D-printable experimental keyboard that uses four conveyor belts, each carrying 29 keys, so the letters move toward the user's fingers instead of the fingers reaching for the keys. The device, part of the Gboard hardware series, is designed to make one-handed typing easier and can be built by anyone using the published designs.

Google has published the Gboard Conveyor Belt version, a quirky experimental device, with its designs available on GitHub under the mozc-devices repository. The project is drawing attention in programming and tech communities, where commenters are amused by Google building a literal conveyor belt accessory for its keyboard line and by the unusual hardware being open sourced.

Google Japan has escalated its annual concept keyboard project, releasing its latest experimental Gboard design. The team has built a reputation for playful, impractical prototypes in past years, including keyboards shaped like sticks, teacups and spoons, often published with open-source plans so anyone can build them. The new release continues that tradition and is drawing attention from tech commentators.

Android Authority reports that Gboard, Google's default Android keyboard, is powerful enough to replace four popular Android apps. The article highlights lesser-known built-in features such as clipboard management, translation, and other tools that many users overlook. Readers are discussing whether the keyboard's hidden capabilities can genuinely streamline their app setups.