Google 日本語入力

Google Japan’s YouTube channel has been releasing April Fools videos for their Japanese keyboard for the past 13 years. Their most recent video titled Gboard CAPS showcases a hat that can be used as a keyboard. Most of these products have open-source software and schematics so that those who want to build them can. After hearing about Gboard CAPS and discovering the playlist, I wanted to talk about some of my favorite videos on the playlist.

Google Japan YouTube Channel

Google Japan is exactly what you’d think it is. Google’s YouTube channel for the Japanese market. It advertises Google’s products and services with most videos on the channel being advertisements. It’s hard for me to figure out what everything on the channel is due to rough Google translations and not all of the videos having English subtitles. The Gboard videos used to be released on April Fools but recently they have been going on a different schedule, with the latest one being published on October 1st. The 6th-month delay is a result of the pandemic.

Google 日本語入力マジックハンドバージョン (Japanese Input Magic Hand Version)

The Japanese Input Magic Hand Version video showcases a robotic hand that’s used to type for the user. Google’s Gboard requires a lot of swiping for its Japanese userbase so this device combats finger fatigue. This video, in my opinion, marks the start of when this playlist becomes good. With videos before it not all having subtitles, this video has a production value not seen before.

Google 日本語入力プチプチバージョン (Japanese Input Bubble Wrap Version)

This Bubble Wrap Gboard video probably has the most obvious jokes out of all the videos. Use bubble wrap to create an input that can be read by a separate device. The main perk of this idea is that you get to use bubble wrap because who doesn’t love bubble wrap? Especially when it’s scented.

Google 湯呑みバージョン (Gboard teacup version)

You can’t spill a drink on your keyboard if your keyboard is the drink. The Teacup Gboard is my favorite of all the Gboard videos. This is something I would purchase just because of the logic behind it. I know the user experience of typing on a mug would be atrocious, but I love the novelty of it. If I ever get the chance, this is the Gboard product I would build.

Conclusions

I really liked looking at all these crazy Gboard ideas. While none of them are extremely practical, they’re fun to think about. Picturing a student pulling a keyboard walking stick out in class or using Morse code on their laptop probably aren't the future of typing but they're funny thoughts. With the primary Google account not participating in April Fools pranks since the pandemic, it’s nice to see Google Japan keeping the tradition alive.