PixelBoard Stable Release (v18.4.1 / Patch v1.0.5)

Summary

PixelBoard v18.4.1 (Patch Bundle v1.0.5) brings the rock-solid in-line AI feature set directly to Google's latest Gboard v18.4.1 Release (18.4.1.985164140-release-arm64-v8a), introducing Writing Tools V2 Gating, Device-Gated AI Inference Backend Selection, and idle battery optimizations for Gemini Rambler Voice Typing.

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What's New & Changed

1. Updated to Gboard v18.4.1 Release Base

• Rebased primary build to official Gboard 18.4.1 Release (18.4.1.985164140-release-arm64-v8a, ~122 MB base).
• Fully supports arm64-v8a devices running Android 10 through Android 16 Preview.
• Backward compatibility maintained for Gboard 18.3.1.

2. Writing Tools V2 Gating (Beta) (New & Only in Google Pixel)

• "Suggested" Style Chips & Freeform Prompt Bar: Unlocks Google's modern writing tools interface with quick style chips and "Describe your edit".
• Hardware & Model Eligibility Gating: Automatically hides V2 elements on unsupported devices to prevent errors or UI glitches.
• Dedicated Advanced Settings Toggle: Toggle Writing Tools V2 inside Advanced Settings with a Material You BETA badge.

3. Device-Gated AI Inference Backend Selector (Beta) ((New & Only in Google Pixel)

• On supported Pixel devices (e.g. Pixel 8 Pro / Pixel 9 series), users can select their preferred inference backend:
  • GBOARD_SERVER (Google Cloud Server Inference)
  • PRIVATE_INFERENCE_AICORE (On-Device Private Android AICore)
  • PRIVATE_INFERENCE_ASTREA (On-Device Astrea Framework)
• Dynamically hidden on unsupported hardware for a clean, native experience.

4. Gemini "Rambler" Natural Voice Typing & Battery Fix

• Unlocked Google's state-of-the-art Rambler dictation model.
• Speech Cleanup: Automatically filters hesitation, stutters, and filler words ("um", "ah", "like").
• Thought Correction: Seamlessly corrects self-revisions on the fly.
• Context-Aware Punctuation: Real-time auto-punctuation and capitalization.
• Rambler ASR Battery & Service Lifecycle Fix: Eliminated background GoogleAsrService (com.google.android.tts) service binder persistence after closing the keyboard by enforcing immediately_end_dictation_on_keyboard_hidden=true (credits: @PaoloDelCasale).

5. Offline Language Pack Download Loop Fix (#5)

• Eliminated 150 req/sec Download Loop: Fixed an aggressive loop where Gboard repeatedly retried downloading offline language packs for secondary dictation languages (e.g., Italian + English) after Google Speech (com.google.android.tts) rejected silent downloads for the modified package ID.
• In-Process Download Guard: Integrated GboardLanguageDownloadGuard to ensure each language pack download is requested at most once per process, slashing idle CPU usage from ~15% to 0.02% and reducing battery drain from 3.68 mAh/h to 0.43 mAh/h (investigation & candidate fix: @PaoloDelCasale).
• Dual-Version Support: Bytecode patch targets both Gboard 18.3.1 (Lsnm;->c) and 18.4.1 (Lsqk;->c).

6. Fix Advanced Voice Typing Reboot Persistence (#4)

• Immediate Reboot Readiness: Resolved an issue where Advanced Voice Typing did not initialize on cold boot (e.g., on Xiaomi HyperOS / Android 14–16) until "Restart Gboard" was tapped manually.
• Direct Boot & Device-Protected Storage: Migrated PixelBoard settings to Device-Protected (DE) storage with automatic seamless migration from Credential-Encrypted (CE) storage, ensuring preferences are accessible as soon as Gboard's directBootAware IME service launches.
• Selector State De-Poisoning: Fixed runtime selection gate so unconfigured/boot state defaults to enabled, and guarded against spurious background checks (Laaeo.a) overwriting the active selection to false during boot or keyboard typing sessions.

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Release Assets

File	Size	Description
PixelBoard-18.4.1.apk.apk	~127 MB	Ready-to-install signed Stable APK (v18.4.1 release base)
PixelBoard.mpp	~1.4 MB	Standalone patch bundle (v1.0.5) for Morphe Manager

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Installation

Option 1: Direct APK Installation (Recommended)

1. Download PixelBoard-18.4.1.apk directly to your Android device.
2. Tap the downloaded APK in your file manager or browser downloads.
3. Allow installation from unknown sources if prompted, and complete installation.
4. Enable PixelBoard in Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard.

Option 2: ADB Sideload

adb install -r PixelBoard-18.4.1.apk
adb shell am force-stop com.akshaykadam.pixelboard

Option 3: Patch via Morphe Manager

Add the custom patch source in Morphe Manager:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Akshayykadam/PixelBoard/main/patches-bundle.json

Select stock Gboard v18.4.1.985164140-release-arm64-v8a (or v18.3.1) and apply patches.

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Compatibility

• Target Package: com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
• Target Versions:
  • 18.4.1.985164140-release-arm64-v8a (Primary Stable / Recommended)
  • 18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a
• Architecture: arm64-v8a
• Minimum Android Version: Android 10 (API 29)+

PixelBoard Stable Release (v18.3.1 / Patch v1.0.4)

PixelBoard Stable Release (v18.3.1 / Patch v1.0.4)

Summary

PixelBoard v18.3.1 (Patch Bundle v1.0.4) brings the rock-solid in-line AI feature set directly to Google's latest Gboard v18.3.1 Release (18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a) along with critical idle battery optimizations for Gemini Rambler Voice Typing.

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What's New & Changed

1. Updated to Gboard v18.3.1 Release Base

• Rebased the primary stable build from Gboard 18.0.3 to official Gboard 18.3.1 Release (18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a, 81.2 MB).
• Fully supports arm64-v8a devices running Android 10 through Android 16 Preview.
• Backward compatibility maintained for Gboard 18.0.3.

2. Patch Bundle v1.0.4

• Bumped patch bundle to v1.0.4 with official bytecode mappings and compatibility for Gboard 18.3.1 Release.
• Rambler ASR Battery & Service Lifecycle Fix: Eliminated background GoogleAsrService (com.google.android.tts) service binder persistence after closing the keyboard by enforcing immediately_end_dictation_on_keyboard_hidden=true and unforcing enable_sticky_mic_background (credits: @PaoloDelCasale).
• Reverted experimental V2 prompt keyboard overrides to restore the stable in-line writing tools architecture.
• Proofread and style chips (Rephrase, Emojify, Formal, Casual, Concise, Elaborate) render directly above the keyboard layout.
• Eliminated all errors associated with multi-role prompt splitting, empty draft payloads, and prompt bundle network failures.
• Zero "Could not suggest" or "Showing error" states during text transformation requests.

3. Gemini "Rambler" Natural Voice Typing

• Unlocked Google's state-of-the-art Rambler dictation model.
• Real-time speech cleanup: automatically filters hesitation, stutters, and filler words ("um", "ah", "like").
• Real-time thought correction: seamlessly corrects self-revisions during dictation.
• Context-aware auto-punctuation and proper noun capitalization.

4. Standalone Coexistence & Signature Bypass

• Packaged under independent application ID com.akshaykadam.pixelboard with app label PixelBoard for safe side-by-side use alongside factory Gboard.
• Signature verification bypassed so patched APKs pass integrity and whitelist checks without root.

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Release Assets

File	Size	Description
PixelBoard.apk	~82 MB	Ready-to-install signed Stable APK (v18.3.1 release base)
PixelBoard.mpp	~1.4 MB	Standalone patch bundle (v1.0.4) for Morphe Manager

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Installation

Option 1: Direct APK Installation (Recommended)

1. Download PixelBoard.apk directly to your Android device.
2. Tap the downloaded APK in your file manager or browser downloads.
3. Allow installation from unknown sources if prompted, and complete installation.
4. Enable PixelBoard in Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard.

Option 2: ADB Sideload

adb install -r PixelBoard.apk
adb shell am force-stop com.akshaykadam.pixelboard

Option 3: Patch via Morphe Manager

Add the custom patch source in Morphe Manager:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Akshayykadam/PixelBoard/main/patches-bundle.json

Select stock Gboard v18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a (or v18.0.3) and apply patches.

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Compatibility

• Target Package: com.google.android.inputmethod.latin
• Target Versions:
  • 18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a (Recommended)
  • 18.3.1.977415014-beta-arm64-v8a
  • 18.0.3.954559732-release-arm64-v8a
• Architecture: arm64-v8a
• Minimum Android Version: Android 10 (API 29)+

PixelBoard v18.3.1 (Patch v1.0.3) Release Notes

Stable Release (v18.3.1 / Patch v1.0.3)

Summary

PixelBoard v18.3.1 (Patch Bundle v1.0.3) brings the rock-solid in-line AI feature set directly to Google's latest Gboard v18.3.1 Release (18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a). This release unifies the standalone build onto the latest stock base while retaining the classic, stable in-line AI Writing Assistant and Gemini Rambler Voice Dictation.

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What's New & Changed

1. Updated to Gboard v18.3.1 Release Base

• Rebased the primary stable build from Gboard 18.0.3 to official Gboard 18.3.1 Release (18.3.1.977415014-release-arm64-v8a, 81.2 MB).
• Fully supports arm64-v8a devices running Android 10 through Android 16 Preview.
• Backward compatibility maintained for Gboard 18.0.3.

2. Patch Bundle v1.0.3

• Bumped patch bundle to v1.0.3 with official bytecode mappings and compatibility for Gboard 18.3.1 Release.
• Proofread and style chips (Rephrase, Emojify, Formal, Casual, Concise, Elaborate) render directly above the keyboard layout.
• Eliminated all errors associated with multi-role prompt splitting, empty draft payloads, and prompt bundle network failures.
• Zero "Could not suggest" or "Showing error" states during text transformation requests.

3. Gemini "Rambler" Natural Voice Typing

• Unlocked Google's state-of-the-art Rambler dictation model.
• Real-time speech cleanup: automatically filters hesitation, stutters, and filler words ("um", "ah", "like").
• Real-time thought correction: seamlessly corrects self-revisions during dictation.
• Context-aware auto-punctuation and proper noun capitalization.

4. Standalone Coexistence & Signature Bypass

• Packaged under independent application ID com.akshaykadam.pixelboard with app label PixelBoard for safe side-by-side use alongside factory Gboard.
• Signature verification bypassed so patched APKs pass integrity and whitelist checks without root.

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Release Assets

File	Size	Description
PixelBoard-18.3.1(Release).apk	~82 MB	Ready-to-install signed Stable APK (v18.3.1 release base)
PixelBoard-1.0.3.mpp	~1.4 MB	Standalone patch bundle (v1.0.3) for Morphe Manager

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Installation

Option 1: Direct APK Installation (Recommended)

1. Download PixelBoard.apk directly to your Android device.
2. Tap the downloaded APK in your file manager or browser downloads.
3. Allow installation from unknown sources if prompted, and complete installation.
4. Enable PixelBoard in Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard.

Option 2: ADB Sideload

adb install -r PixelBoard-18.3.1(Release).apk
adb shell am force-stop com.akshaykadam.pixelboard

PixelBoard v18.3.1 (Beta)

PixelBoard v18.3.1 (Beta)

This is a pre-release build based on the latest Google Gboard v18.3.1 Beta (18.3.1.977415014-beta-arm64-v8a), bringing newer base improvements, broader locale support, and critical stability fixes for high-density devices.

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🚀 What's New & Improvements

• Updated Gboard Base: Rebased onto official Gboard v18.3.1 Beta.
• Improved Rambler Persistence: Fixed an issue where Rambler voice typing selection could revert to standard voice typing across process restarts.
• Broader Locale Compatibility: Removed locale restrictions in the advanced voice policy for wider regional support.
• Enhanced AI Writing Tools: Updated internal flag mappings to match the 18.3.1 bytecode changes.

Bug Fixes & Stability

• Pixel 8 Pro & High-DPI Crash Fix: Resolved app crashes on high-density devices by integrating missing density drawables and dictation splits directly into the standalone APK.
• Optimized Standalone Bundle: Merged required resources to ensure 100% offline stability without requiring split APK installers.

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Key Features Included

• Gemini Rambler Voice Dictation: Speech cleanup (removes filler words like "um", "uh"), auto-punctuation, and real-time self-correction.
• AI Writing Tools: In-line proofreading, tone rewriting (Professional, Casual, Concise, Emotive), and smart editing across all apps.
• Coexistence Mode: Uses package ID com.akshaykadam.pixelboard so you can install and use it side-by-side with your factory Gboard.
• Signature Bypass: Pre-patched integrity checks (no root required).

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Installation & Obtainium Setup

1. Direct Download: Download PixelBoard-18.3.1.apk below and install.
2. Obtainium Users: To track this beta channel in Obtainium, enable "Include pre-releases" in Obtainium app settings.
3. First-Time Setup:
   • Go to PixelBoard Settings > Voice typing > set Dictation type to Rambler.
   • Go to ★ Advanced settings at the bottom and tap the Restart (↻) button in the top toolbar to apply.

Note

This is a Beta / Pre-release build. If you encounter any issues, please report them under Issues. For daily stability, use the latest Stable (v18.0.3) release.

PixelBoard v18.0.3 (Stable)

PixelBoard v18.0.3 (Stable Release)

PixelBoard brings Google Pixel's flagship Gemini Rambler Voice Typing and in-line AI Writing Assistant to any modern Android device and designed to run safely side-by-side with your existing Gboard.

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Highlights & Features

1. Gemini "Rambler" Natural Voice Dictation

Unlocks Google’s next-gen speech engine:

• Automatic Speech Cleanup: Strips out hesitations, stuttering, and filler words ("um", "uh", "like", "you know") in real time.
• Thought Correction: Intelligently updates sentences when you change your mind mid-thought (e.g. "meet me at two no, three" ➔ "Meet me at 3:00").
• Contextual Punctuation & Capitalization: Automatically structures sentences, commas, and proper nouns without voice commands.

2. In-Line AI Writing Assistant

Access Google's Gemini-driven writing suite directly above your keyboard:

• One-Tap Proofread: Instant grammar and spelling corrections.
• Tone & Style Switcher: Rephrase sentences into Professional, Casual, Concise, or Emotive tones.
• Universal Keyboard Support: Extended to work across all input layouts and languages.

3. Zero-Risk Coexistence (No Root Required)

• Side-by-Side Installation: Uses custom package ID com.akshaykadam.pixelboard — installs alongside your stock Google Keyboard without overwriting it.
• Signature Bypass: Pre-patched to bypass Google Play signature checks and integrity verifications seamlessly.
• Dedicated Advanced Settings: Includes a custom Material preference screen with a one-tap process restart (↻) toolbar button to quickly reload Gboard services.

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📥 Download & Verification

Asset	Target Architecture	Size	Base Version
PixelBoard.apk	arm64-v8a	~79 MB	18.0.3.954559732-release

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Setup Instructions

1. Install: Download and install PixelBoard.apk below.
2. Enable Keyboard: Go to Android Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard and turn on PixelBoard.
3. Activate Rambler Dictation:
   • Open PixelBoard Settings > Voice typing.
   • Under Dictation type, change from Standard to Rambler.
4. Apply Changes:
   • Return to PixelBoard Settings, scroll down and tap ★ Advanced settings.
   • Tap the Restart (↻) button in the top-right toolbar.
5. Start Typing: Tap any text field, hit the Microphone icon, tap Get started, and speak naturally!