What happened? How did development suddenly go so wrong? – Gboard – the Google Keyboard Review

Updated Review: ———————— Still minimal to no material improvements by the development team, despite what appears to be a clear call (based on user reviews) for better word prediction, improved swipe-to-type functionality and glitch reduction when using Gboard with both third-party and stock iOS apps. I've officially moved to SwiftKey until Google: (1) addresses and remedies the above issues; and (2) MOVES THE SPEAK-TO-TEXT FUNCTION SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN THE SPACE BAR. Too often, when holding and gliding along the space to move the cursor, the speech-to-text screen will pop-up inadvertently and annoyingly when not needed, thereby disrupting a user's message (or other) typing and causing the user to break focus. <-- This simply can't be what Giggled intended and it needs to be fixed pronto. Prior Review: —————— I've been a big fan, and long time user, of Gboard (and its predecessor, 'Google Keyboard') since using it previously on multiple Android devices. I switched to an iPhone 7+ roughly a year ago and stuck with Gboard since I was accustomed to it and felt that it was (then) the best keyboard on the market. No longer is that premise accurate. Gboard is now extremely glitchy, fails to open on the routine, and the swipe keyboard function often fails to initiate. Frequently, the keyboard will load but not allow the user the ability to type into a corresponding input field. N.B., Google: Gboard and Outlook for iOS are becoming increasingly incompatible, and it gets worse with every Gboard update. Gboard often fails to integrate with some of the most basic stock software and features of iOS. Gboard, now (and I note that my review 3-4 months ago would've been glowing), needs considerable work in the development arena, and the glitches must be cut down. The keyboard must also be able to open on the routine without materially noticeable flaws--otherwise Google is wasting its time and resources with this software.
Review by laxerlager on Gboard – the Google Keyboard.