Handwritten Emoji Recognition Now On Android

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April 20, 2015 9:01 AM

Google has been working various innovative and creative input tools for some time and as always, they don't disappoint.

Screenshot of Google's latest input tool at work.

On Friday, Google research launched its latest project: Google Handwriting Input. Apart from their voice and favorite keyboards, Android users using Android 4.0.3 and above can now simply use good old-fashioned handwriting to input text into any Android app.

The new input tool recognizes 82 languages and 20 distinct scripts.

"My own handwriting is notoriously unreadable, but Google’s new tool even managed to handle most of my squiggly cursive without too many issues. It had virtually no issues with print," said TechCrunch's FredericLardinois.

One cool feature is that the new handwriting input can also render your handwritten emoji's. What this means is that if you draw out an emoji onto your Android app, the new tool can translate it into the actual emoji.

It is worth mentioning that this isn't Google's first attempt at handwriting recognition, but its the first time it is bringing support for its handwriting tools to all of Android.

Previously, Google already featured handwriting recognition on the Google translate app, as well as on mobile search and through the Google Input Tool.

How this will efficiently translate into daily use remains to be seen though. Text input has become pretty fast and accurate on Android thanks to modern swipe keyboards.

The new app is available in the Google Play Store now.

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