Google’s Stock Android Keyboard Has Hidden Themes

When coding our lovely Android, Google’s engineers always seem to feel the need to leave us a hidden message in the code. We know these hidden messages as Easter eggs because we always have to track and dig them out. Today, another Easter egg was uncovered in the stock Google Keyboard app. Apparently the app has hidden themes, and it’s actually pretty easy to switch between them.

However, there is a catch. You can only access the themes if you have a custom launcher, so if you’re rocking Android 4.0 or above, Nova Launcher or Apex are the best candidates. Once you have your custom launcher installed, long-press the home screen and choose Shortcuts, and then Activities. In the pop-up menu choose ”Google Keyboard” (or “Android Keyboard (AOSP)”), and then choose “Android Keyboard Debug Settings”. After you’ve done that, there will be a shortcut on your home screen that will take you directly to the advanced settings of the stock keyboard, where you can choose your theme.

There are 4 options available – basic (pre-gingerbread), stone, gingerbread, and Ice Cream Sandwich -, but the basic has a high contrast option and the stone keyboard theme has a bold option. So, if you’re feeling nostalgic follow this process and go back to the days of Android 1.5 Cupcake. Let us know in the comments below how it worked out for you.

[Via PhoneArena]