Well its about damn time. Last month Apple actually announced an update that might make a majority of its users happy. (Not that updates aren't good, but they're normally not that exciting). Well if you enjoy using emojis on your iPhone, then you may be happy to hear that 300 more have been added to the keyboard in iOS 8.3. The current set of emojis include an Asian man wearing a gua pi mao cap and an Indian man wearing a turban, but there are no black people represented. This will change when Apple devices are updated with iOS 8.3 because several of the tiny cartoon emojis will be available in six new skin tones.
Apple is also adding many more relationship- and gadget-related emojis. For example, same-sex relationship emojis like families with two mothers and two fathers will be added. Emojis for 32 more country flags will be added as well (maybe even rainbow flag to match the new couples). iOS 8.3 is available for developers now and should be released to the public within the next few months.
This new update will be anticipated by millions of Apple users. However, I am still anticipating the day that Apple's emoji creators release more diverse food (i.e. tacos and bacon), the middle finger, a Bacardi bottle (hmmm, maybe brands could get involved in emoji marketing, i.e. Taco Bell, Red Bull, Starbucks, etc.), Beyonce wearing a crown, a Netflix emoji, a guitar, better looking clothing (this isn't the 60s), an all-nighter emoji, white wine (don't get me wrong, love red wine, sometimes the hangover is just too bad though), ginger emojis, a puking emoji, a cannabis leaf, and just more animals in general (because they are so awesome).
What are some emojis you would like to see?
I'm really excited to hear this is coming from Apple in their next update! I know a lot of people have complained about the racism in in the emoji's and I'm glad it's being addressed. I'm still waiting on a finger's crossed emoji! It's also interesting that you raised the point that eventually it might become a way of maketing and adveritsing if companies can have their logos or food items "emojized" (yeah sure that's a word) or even mascots or logos such as UGA's that could be downloaded on an individual basis so that it's catered to the individual.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to this update! It's way past time that Apple made its emojis look like the real world. With over 300 being added I'm a little worried it could take me forever to scroll and find the right one but I'm sure in no time I won't even remember the old system. Technology has a habit of making short memories.
ReplyDeletePart of me is a little upset that they're fixing the emoji inequality solely because posts about emoji inequality are normally hilarious. I'm glad to see the fix is coming, though. I like the idea about brand sponsored emojis. I think it would be a great way to subtly promote your brand without being disruptive. Maybe the sponsored emojis could be an option download rather than automatically placed into the emoji keyboard, that way users could only use the ones they wanted and not be irritated by all of the brands that have sponsored emojis.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that Apple decided to fix this problem after so long, although I have admit that I think 300 additions is a bit much. It's going to take way longer now to pick the perfect "sassy pink shirt girl" emoji when I'm talking to my friends. In fact, finding any emoji now is going to be more difficult with dozens of new pages to flip through. Talk about #firstworldproblems.
ReplyDeleteI'm also in favor of a taco emoji. A nerd face would be nice, too.