In a bid to make emoji customization more convenient and inclusive, Google has introduced a new feature in its Gboard keyboard for Android. The latest update now allows users to easily standardize the skin tone and gender of emojis with a single tap, making it a seamless experience for those who enjoy using various emoji variations.
The feature is already available in the most recent version of the Android keyboard. According to the developers, manually changing the skin tone and gender of more than 300 emojis would have required extensive touchscreen interactions. This new addition significantly streamlines the process for emoji enthusiasts.
While customizing skin tones is a common option, Gboard has also simplified the process of adjusting the gender of emojis, particularly those depicting professions. Whether you select a male or female representation, the app will automatically apply the chosen gender to all relevant emoji options.
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Personalization of Emojis: A Study by Google
Google conducted a survey with 2,000 participants to gain insights into emoji usage habits. The study findings indicate that the option to personalize skin tones creates a “sense of connection, pride, and representation” among the respondents. People are increasingly recognizing the importance of seeing themselves and their diverse identities reflected in emoji choices.
Moreover, the survey revealed that individuals are selective in choosing skin tones for their emojis. Emojis with lighter skin tones are more commonly used in private chats, as opposed to public messages on social media platforms.
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New Emojis on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the Unicode Consortium has released a list of new emojis slated to appear on devices between 2023 and 2024. Emoji 15.1, the latest standard, introduces 118 new emoji characters, with the majority being variations of existing emojis. The update features only six entirely new concepts, adding a fresh layer of expression to our digital communication.
The Gboard latest update reflects the ongoing effort to make technology more inclusive and representative of diverse user preferences. With the ability to easily customize emojis’ skin tones and genders, Google has taken another step toward ensuring that users can express themselves in ways that resonate with their identities and emotions.
As the world of emojis continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more diverse and inclusive options arriving on our devices in the coming years, as demonstrated by the upcoming Emoji 15.1 update. Stay tuned for a richer, more expressive digital language in our future conversations.
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