In the Android 16 update, Gboard (Google Input Method) has a very interesting little feature - creating personalized emoji stickers (or "emoji packs") through AI, which Google named "Genmoji". This article will introduce how to use this feature in detail and point out a key note.
An important prerequisite: switch to English input method
Before we begin, it is important to note that this feature is currentlyOnly works in English input modeIf you are using Chinese or other language input methods, you will not be able to find the entrance created by AI.
- Chinese input method: In the emoji panel, you can't see the AI creation icon in the toolbar at the bottom.
- In English input method: After switching to the English keyboard, a new "magic wand" or "square" icon will appear in the toolbar at the bottom of the emoji panel. This is the entrance to the AI creation function.
How to create emoticon stickers with text (Vincent)
- Switch input method: Make sure your Gboard is in English input mode.
- Enter the creation interface: Bring up the keyboard in the chat box, tap the emoji icon, then tap the new "AI Created" icon in the bottom toolbar.
- Enter English description: In the pop-up interface, you will see a text box. Enter the screen description you want here. Note that it must beEnglishFor example, we enter
a pink pig with sunglasses(A pink pig wearing sunglasses). - Generating and selecting emotions: After clicking Generate, AI (powered by Pixel Studio) will create a basic image. Above the image, there will be a series of emotion icons (such as happy, like, angry, sleep, etc.). Click different emotion icons, and AI will apply the corresponding emotions to your basic image and generate a series of interesting stickers.
- Save and send: You can save your favorite stickers to your sticker library or send them directly to your friends.
Note: This feature currently seems to have an option to "Create from Picture" (picture-to-picture), but there is a bug in my test and it cannot be used properly.
The meaning and thinking of function
Although I personally don’t use custom emoticons very often, I have to admit that being able to instantly create stickers that suit your current mood and chat context is undoubtedly a more advanced and interesting way to express emotions.
This is also in line with Google's "ambient computing" concept - users do not need to care about the complex AI technology behind it, they just need to know that the input method provides a convenient tool that can make daily communication more vivid and interesting through the "text to picture" or "picture to picture" method, and that's enough.
Previous recommendations:
ThanksGboard AI emoji review for pointing out the need to switch to English input — that's such an easy step to overlook, especially for multilingual users. I tried Genmoji and was surprised by how specific you can get with your prompts, but it would be great if Google expanded language support soon. Looking forward to seeing how this feature evolves with future Android updates!