A new report has revealed the production of a Google iOS keyboard, which would have the aim of boosting search traffic from Apple’s mobile OS.
According to a new report from The Verge, a Google iOS keyboard is presently in development, with the goal of securing more search traffic from users of Apple’s mobile operating system.
The keyboard, which would complement Google’s already-extant Android keyboard, would allegedly feature GIF and picture search options but would not include a voice search option.
Read: Google reportedly paid Apple $1B to be default search engine
The keyboard could function as a means to bring some element of Google Now on Tap to iOS users; through highlighting, selecting or typing certain words of phrases, the company could theoretically open up links for search input in a similar manner to how the service presently functions on Android.
While Google receives an stokehold in search traffic from Android, its own mobile operating system, the company doesn’t field the same rapport on iOS. Most recently, it was disclosed that the company forked out over $1 billion USD to be the the default search engine on Apple’s mobile operating system.
The Verge reports that the Google iOS keyboard has been in development for a period of months, and would be available for both the iPhone and iPad. However, Google has declined to comment on the keyboard’s existence.
While Google’s monopoly on desktop search traffic remains unquestionable, research has indicated that the company doesn’t enjoy the same prominence from mobile search traffic. Most recently, journalist Charles Arthur cited that more than half of smartphone users perform zero searches per day.
What are your thoughts on a Google iOS keyboard? Would you use one on your iPad or iPhone? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
