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Move over Bitmoji. Google’s Gboard has a new feature that lets you make emoji stickers based on your selfies. With this update to Gboard you can take a selfie and create over 100 different emoji stickers of yourself to share with others.
Gboard is Google’s free keyboard app for Android and iPhone that is full of features such as swipe typing, GIFs, search and more. See, Gboard: The Keyboard with (Almost) Everything You Could Want
With new Minis Gboard gives you more ways to express yourself to others without using words. In addition to Gboard’s GIFs, memes, stickers, and regular emojis you can now use Mini stickers that are emojis of your face with different expressions.
Google announced Minis earlier this week:
Meet Minis! Easy to create and share right from #Gboard, these AI-powered personal stickers are made with just a snap of a selfie → https://t.co/d5BBLdt8As pic.twitter.com/39l4vZNjIS
— Google (@Google) August 27, 2018
How to Use Minis
To use Minis, update the Gboard app to the latest version. On the keyboard tap the smiley face icon next to the keyboard.
Tap the square icon at the bottom of the next screen to get to the sticker section.
If your Gboard app has been updated you should see the invitation to create Minis.
Tap the Create button to get started. You’ll need to give permission for Gboard to access your camera.
The front camera will turn on and you’ll need to center your face in the square frame on the screen. Tap the blue dot when you’re ready to take the selfie.
Gboard will do its magic to create customize Minis for your face. You can edit your Mini in two different styles, Bold or Sweet.
But you’re not limited by the Mini Gboard creates from your selfie. Like Bitmojis, Minis let you choose options such as face shape, hair style and color, eye shape, facial features, clothing and more. Add headwear, facial hair, glasses, earrings, tattoos or other piercings.
You can make your Mini look like a Mini-Me version of your actual self, or you can create a Mini version that looks like who you want to be.
When you’re satisfied with your Mini, tap Save in the upper right corner of the screen to save it, then tap Done on the next screen.
Using Your Mini
To use your Mini, open your Gboard and tap the smiley face icon, then the sticker icon. Tap the blue plus sign, then tap Favorites.
Choose from Bold Mini or Sweet Mini to customize your Mini. You can choose from many different Mini stickers conveying a wide variety of messages.
You can also search for stickers by keywords. Your results will include stickers of Minis you’ve saved.
Tap on the Mini you want to use to copy it. Then tap where you want the Mini to be added.
You can use your Minis in text messages, email messages, Facebook and other places where you want to share them.
Availability
Google is rolling out this update to Gboard for iPhone/iPad and Android phones. Look for an update to the Gboard app that includes “Minis” in the description.
You can download the free Gboard app to your phone or tablet with these links:
Your Thoughts
Do you use Gboard? Do you like to use tools like emojis to convey your messages? Have you created your Mini yet?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Google Helps Veterans Find Jobs that Use Their Skills
Google has also announced a new service that matches veterans with jobs that use the military skills they have.
A new experience on Search helps transitioning U.S. service members find civilian jobs that match their military skills → https://t.co/weO6ypyM7B #GrowWithGoogle pic.twitter.com/NJAh3KpaRe
— Google (@Google) August 27, 2018
Through the Grow with Google initiative, Google is making job hunting easier for veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and making finding qualified veterans easier for employers.
Launched on Monday, Google introduced this initiative that lets service members “search ‘jobs for veterans’ on Google and then enter their specific military job codes (MOS, AFSC, NEC, etc.) to see relevant civilian jobs that require similar skills to those used in their military roles. We’re also making this capability available to any employer or job board to use on their own property through our Cloud Talent Solution. As of today, service members can enter their military job codes on any career site using Talent Solution, including FedEx Careers, Encompass Health Careers, Siemens Careers, CareerBuilder and Getting Hired.”
Learn more at the Google Blog: Helping veterans make their next move in civilian life.
Great info! Love it!
Hi Rene, I’m glad you like these changes to Gboard. I hope you enjoy making your Minis!
Hi Carolyn,
Great post! Gboard’s New Minis looks like a very good features. Now it will be fun chatting. I haven’t tried it yet. I will definitely give it a shot. 🙂
Thank for sharing this post. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Hi Tarique, Good point, Minis will make chatting more fun. Emojis seem more personal when they look like us. We may be able to get our messages across more clearly when we use these Minis.
Hi Carolyn,
You have explained very well in this post how to use Gboard’s New Minis. Your instructions are easy to follow. Google is coming up with new things and I am so excited to use this one.
Thanks for sharing this post. Have a great weekend. 🙂
Hi Sajid, I’m glad you enjoyed this article and will have fun with your Minis, Sajid.
You’re right, Google is constantly coming up with new tech. I’m also excited for their new service pairing veteran with job opportunities that match their skills.
Hi,
Such a nice post, Carolyn. I am very happy to know about the Gboard’s new feature “Minis” where we can make emoji stickers of our selfies. This feature will make chatting more funnier and I am really excited to use it. Here, you have well explained how to use “Minis”. I am going to update my Gboard app.
Thank you so much for sharing this post with us.
Have a great day.
Praveen Verm a
Hi Praveen, You’re right, Minis can be a fun way to convey a message. Sometimes we’re at risk of our words being taken the wrong way. Emojis can lighten the mood and Minis can make the mood even lighter with our likenesses as emojis.
I hope you enjoy creating and using your Minis, Praveen!
Thanks for the info. I love Google and it’s products and hopefully this helps me up my emoji game.
Hi Bobby, You’re very welcome. Yes, these new Minis can help you be more creative with your emojis. I hope you enjoy creating and using your Mini, Bobby!