Google is expanding its custom text stickers for Android users using the US English version of the Gboard keyboard. Previously, only Google Pixel users had access to the feature, which lets you create and send personalized stickers by typing your own text and choosing a ready-made design.
In addition to expanding custom stickers, Google is also introducing more than 1,600 new Pride Month and Summer-themed mashups in Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen. You can use the feature by simply typing an emoji (or two) into a message and then seeing what kind of mashups you can translate into stickers. The result is fun and sometimes unconventional emoji combinations, such as a soccer ball made from watermelon.
Aside from Gboard, Google is introducing new features for two of its accessibility-focused apps: Sound Amplifier and Lookout. Sound Amplifier, designed to amplify specific sounds for people with hearing impairments, gets a redesigned user interface, improved background noise reduction and “faster and more accurate” sound. For Lookout, an app designed to help people with visual impairments, Google is adding an offline mode, as well as a way for users to hear a description of an image from “just about any” app or browser.
Finally, Google will soon let you redeem all of your (or just a few) Google Play points while you’re in a game or app. This should make it easier to redeem earned points as you no longer have to go through the extra steps to convert your Play Points into a coupon before making a purchase. Google says it plans to roll out the functionality in the coming weeks.
