The newest version of Android that we have currently is 7.1 Nougat and it added support for sending GIFs directly from the keyboard. It is not just any keyboard that supports this (Gboard and Chrooma keyboard support it) and now Twitter has integrated the feature for its Android beta app.
A Reddit user noticed the changes on Twitter for Android version 6.33.0-beta.556 where one could search for the GIF of choice right from Gboard. In order for it work, you need a phone that runs Android 7.1 (or later) and the latest Twitter for Android beta highlighted above. This works with Google’s Gboard and Chrooma. On Gboard for example, there is a search button present where you will be able to search for the GIF of choice. Apparently this will work in both the general timeline and the DMs.
This feature will extend the GIF searching feature we have been enjoying on the mobile Twitter app where there is a dedicated GIF button powered by the company, Giphy. The new system will allow you to source GIFs from other locations other than Giphy.
There is a problem however, Android 7.1 is only available to the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 6P, 5X and 9. These are the phones and tablets which Google has a hand in both the hardware and software and we have to wait for other OEMs to update their phones to support this feature.
Since this feature is available on the beta channel, people with phones that are running Android 7.1 will have to be a bit patient for it to be released in a future update.
