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Google’s new Android handwriting app enables hand-drawn emojis

Google has launched a new app for Android users, enabling the conversion of handwritten text in 82 languages.

The Google Handwriting Input tool, which is available on the Google Play Store today and is compatible across the Android ecosystem, is able to recognise both printed and cursive handwriting.

It’ll even enable patrons to draw their own emoji characters, with our without a stylus, and convert them into the real thing.

Google is allowing mobile calligraphers to choose between cloud-based and local handwriting recognition, but says the web-based version will be more accurate.

The cloud-based version will also offer word suggestions, making it easier for folks to complete their messaging without writing out the entire thing.

Google also says the keyboard, which is aimed to complement traditional keyboard or voice input, could come in handy for those languages – such as Mandarin – where typing is problematic.

Read more: Best Android Apps: 15 Great free apps

The app is free to download and available now from the Google Play store, providing the device is running Android 4.03 and up.

“If you claim your handwriting is terrible, try it out and see if it can convince you otherwise,” Google says in the app description (via Android Police).

Consider that challenge accepted.

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