Google Messenger now has GIF support with Google Keyboard in Android 7.1 Developer Preview

Facebook Messenger already had it, and now Google Messenger has GIF support too. Additionally, the GIF support is now built into the default Google Keyboard, although, no other app supports the feature as of now. While you are reading this, keep in mind that the feature is only be available on your phone if you are running Android 7.1 Developer Preview.

Just in case you are running the Developer Preview on one of the compatible devices, here's how you can use the GIF button in Google Messenger. Once you bring up the keyboard, locate and tap on the emoticon button. Now tap on the GIF button to bring up the GIF menu with a few highlighted choices like "Thank you," "Sorry" or "Wink." If the desired category cannot be found, simply type in the right category and search for it.

Although it is solely compatible with Messenger at the moment, we are pretty sure that support for more apps such as Gmail, Hangout and may be a few popular third party apps too will arrive in the final version of the Android Nougat 7.1 OS. The "Image Keyboard Support" is a nice new addition to the upcoming OS, albeit a non-essential one.