Apple’s brand spanking new operating system iOS 8 launches next week, and amidst various changes and tweaks, one new feature, iOS 8 Extensions, allows developers to bring third-party keyboard apps to the phone.
While that has the potential to go terribly, horribly wrong, we’re not going to dwell on it, because Mashable have reported on one potentially game-changing new app – a goddamn GIF keyboard, that will put all your favourite animated reactions at your fingertips.
The app, called PopKey, is basically a dream come true for those so developmentally stunted they are only able to convey their feelings through the medium of short, animated clips from popular TV shows and movies – ie, everyone.
Mashable report that the GIF keyboard will be similar to the existing emoji keyboard, consisting of a series of themed sections, organised by “reactions and emotions” like shock and amusement.
The app will come pre-loaded with a variety of GIFs to express each sentiment, but users will be able to upload their own favourites, making it much more convenient than the current copy-and-pasting method of sharing gifs in iMessage.
Perhaps most interestingly, the app’s developers say that it will be updated in real time “based on current trending topics” around the internet, meaning that new editorial categories can be created as stories happen.
The developers didn’t go into a whole lot of detail here, but we’re assuming events like Jennifer Lawrence falling down at awards shows and devastating Mad Men burns might end up with their own categories.
iOS 8 launches on September 17, with PopKey due out some time soon after that, pending Apple’s approval. It will be free but will offer in-app purchases. We would now like to extend to you an invitation to this GIF Party as we celebrate this wonderful news:
Sorry, that took a weird turn.
