Google Handwriting Input works with devices running Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.3) and up, and supports input in both print and cursive writing in a pretty staggering 82 languages — presumably simplifying things from the current system of having separate Google keyboards for handwriting-centric languages. Here's a breakdown of the keyboard's main features:
- A useful complement to touchscreen typing or voice input
- A fun way to enter emojis by drawing
- Useful for languages that can be challenging to type on a standard keyboard
- Works across your Android phones and tablets running Android 4.0.3 and up
- If you claim your handwriting is terrible, try it out and see if it can convince you otherwise
Once you download the keyboard, you can switch to it just as you would any other keyboard and see it looks identical in styling to the current Google Keyboard. However, if you're writing something out and decide you want to switch back to a keyed keyboard, you can do so in just one tap (the globe button left of the space bar). Google Handwriting Input also takes input both with a finger and a stylus, so even those of us with fat-finger syndrome have options.
Overall, the keyboard looks to handle even the messiest of handwriting input pretty well. If you'd like to check it out for yourself, you can grab the keyboard from the Google Play badge above.
