Annoying or Fun? WhatsApp Eyes Animated Emoji
WhatsApp is reportedly developing animated emoji. As spotted by WABetaInfo(Opens in a new window), the feature is currently under development and expected to roll out to "a future [app] update."
It's barely been a year since WhatsApp introduced emoji reactions, which allow users to show their emotions via a thumbs up, heart, or various facial expressions in response to a message. Now it's moving on to kinetic icons that, as WABetaInfo suggests, aim to inject a bit of humor into texting and "make messaging more fun and communicate feelings more effectively."
Animated emoji, when available, will be the default, according to WABI. Like most new messaging functions, the GIF-esque additions will likely be celebrated by some and loathed by others, who may find the repeating animation distracting or maddening. WhatsApp did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether it will include the option to opt out.
The update is expected to reach WhatsApp on web/desktop, iOS, and Android, though a release date has not yet been set.
In December, WhatsApp began inviting users to express themselves using parent company Meta's avatars. Once created, you can employ the 3D digital doppelganger as your profile picture or an in-chat sticker. At this rate, the entire platform will turn into one giant graphic novel in a few years.
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