No Time to Respond? Google Tests Emoji Reactions for Gmail
Google is looking to integrate emoji reactions into Gmail.
The Tape Drive's Steve Moser first discovered code in the iOS Gmail app last month suggesting that users might soon be able to respond to emails with a quick emoji reaction. Now, as The Verge reports, Google leaker AssembleDebug has identified several lines of code directly referencing emoji reactions in the latest Gmail APK for Android.
That code includes lines like “coming soon” and “you’re among the first Gmail users to get an emoji reaction,” suggesting a gradual rollout.
Those who use messaging apps are no doubt familiar with reactions. Long-press a message to give it a quick thumbs up, thumbs down, heart, or other reaction. Adding the option to Gmail will allow for quick acknowledgment of messages at a time when more and more people are eschewing email for apps like iMessage or WhatsApp. (This is already available on Outlook, The Tape Drives notes.)
According to AssembleDebug, Gmail users will be able to react using emoji from the email screen or three-dot overflow menu. However, it looks like some emoji reactions won’t be available on encrypted messages, large groups, or bcc emails. The code also seems to mention emoji limits between 20 and 50 reactions, but it's unclear how that'll pan out (and whether Google would allow people to annoy email recipients with that many emoji).
When asked for comment, Google sent The Verge a string of its own emoji:
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