The Unicode Consortium recently announced the addition of eight new emojis, including icons representing under-eye bags, a fingerprint, a purple splat symbol, a turnip, a leafless tree, a harp, a shovel, and the official flag of Sark. The new emojis are expected to be popular among users, with many expressing excitement over the inclusion of an emoticon with under-eye bags. The Unicode Consortium’s Version 16.0 release has increased the total number of characters to 154,998, with the addition of 5,185 new characters, including new scripts.
Users took to social media to celebrate the inclusion of the emoji with dark under-eye circles, with many expressing gratitude for the representation it offers. The sentiment was echoed by others who found the new emojis relatable and reflective of their own moods and experiences. The previous update to the Unicode Standard was in September, with the iOS 17.4 update for iPhones being the latest to introduce these new emojis to users. Among the most popular emojis are the red heart, green check mark, fire symbol, crying face, and sparkles.
A report released on World Emoji Day this year identified emojis that were deemed least popular, with the “OK” hand emoji ranking at the top. In the US, the winking face with its tongue sticking out was revealed to be the least used emoji. While there are currently over 3,700 emojis available for use on smartphones, users who are not satisfied with the existing options can submit proposals for new symbols. Additionally, Emojipedia provides a mash-up bot that allows for the creation of custom emojis, while Apple plans to launch Genmoji, which uses AI technology to generate custom emojis.
Despite the vast array of emojis available, the inclusion of new emojis, such as the under-eye bags emoticon, serves to enhance the overall user experience and provide more options for self-expression. The announcement of the new emojis by the Unicode Consortium has generated excitement among users, who appreciate the diverse range of symbols now available to them. The addition of new characters and scripts in Version 16.0 of the Unicode Standard signals a commitment to inclusivity and representation, with the hope that users will find emojis that resonate with their emotions and experiences.
As emojis continue to play an integral role in digital communication, the ongoing evolution of these symbols reflects changing trends and user preferences. By adding new emojis and allowing for custom creations, the Unicode Consortium and other platforms are ensuring that users have a wide selection of symbols to convey their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The upcoming release of the new emojis is anticipated to further enhance the communicative abilities of smartphone users and contribute to a more engaging and expressive digital environment.
