Get ready Internet, animated GIF keyboards are coming to iOS.
When iOS 8 was first revealed earlier this year, the game-changing feature that had many developers immediately drooling was iOS 8 Extensions. This meant for the first time developers would be able to bring third-party keyboard apps to the iPhone, a feature users have been clamoring for since the launch of iOS.
But while companies like SwiftKey have long been expected to bring their existing keyboard apps to iOS 8, a newly revealed keyboard is something most iPhone users probably never even dreamed of.
The upcoming PopKey keyboard app allows users to replace their existing keyboard with an emoji-style keyboard comprised entirely of animated GIFs.
While iMessage already supports inline GIFs (via copy and paste), Adrian Salamunovic, cofounder of WorkshopX, the company behind PopKey, says the app streamlines the process of searching and sending.
Much like the existing emoji keyboard in iOS, PopKey contains different themed sections, each of which includes dozens or hundreds of GIFs. But rather than keywords, the app is organized by reactions and emotions. There are separate sections for "LOL," "shocked," "facepalm," "swag" and other idea frequently expressed in GIF form.
While the app will come preloaded with a variety of GIFs for each sentiment, users will also be able to upload their own GIFS to the platform. Additionally, the app will be updated in real-time based on current topics trending around the Internet.
"The content is constantly being updated hour by hour," Salamunovic told Mashable. "We’re really looking forward to creating these categories that are very timely so if something happens or something is trending on Twitter we can quickly create new editorial categories that will be available to our users right away."
Salamunovic says the plan is to make the app available within the next couple weeks (iOS 8 is set to launch Sept. 17), though the exact timing depends on Apple's approval process.
The app will be free though Salamunovic said they made premium upgrades in future versions that could require in-app purchases.
