Emojis have become an essential part of our digital communication, allowing us to convey emotions and ideas in a way that words often can’t. With thousands of emojis available, it’s hard to imagine a time when we didn’t have access to these tiny pictures. But, have you ever wondered how new emojis are created and added to our keyboards? In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the world of emojis and show you how to get new emojis.
The History of Emojis
To understand how new emojis are created, it’s essential to know the history of emojis. The word “emoji” comes from the Japanese language, where “e” means “picture” and “moji” means “character.” Emojis originated in Japan in the late 1990s, when mobile phone operators began using simple images to convey emotions and feelings. These early emojis were used primarily in Japan, but as the use of smartphones spread globally, so did the use of emojis.
The First Emoji Set
The first set of emojis was created by Shigetaka Kurita, a Japanese designer who worked for NTT DoCoMo, a Japanese mobile phone operator. Kurita’s set of 176 emojis, released in 1999, included simple images like smiley faces, hearts, and basic objects. These early emojis were used primarily in Japan, but they paved the way for the thousands of emojis we use today.
The Unicode Consortium
So, how do new emojis get created and added to our keyboards? The answer lies with the Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organization that sets the standards for text encoding and representation. The Unicode Consortium is responsible for creating and maintaining the Unicode Standard, a universal character set that includes emojis.
The Emoji Submission Process
The process of submitting new emojis to the Unicode Consortium is rigorous and involves several steps:
- Proposal submission: Anyone can submit a proposal for new emojis to the Unicode Consortium. The proposal must include a detailed description of the emoji, its meaning, and examples of how it can be used.
- Review and feedback: The Unicode Consortium reviews the proposal and provides feedback to the submitter. The submitter can then revise the proposal based on the feedback.
- Voting: The Unicode Consortium’s members vote on the proposal. A two-thirds majority is required for the proposal to be accepted.
New Emoji Release
Once new emojis are approved by the Unicode Consortium, they are added to the Unicode Standard. This is when the magic happens, and new emojis are released to the world.
The Emoji Release Process
The emoji release process typically takes several months to a year. Here’s an overview of the process:
Step 1: Unicode Standard Update
The Unicode Consortium updates the Unicode Standard to include the new emojis. This update is usually done in the summer, and it includes all the new emojis approved by the Unicode Consortium.
Step 2: Operating System Updates
Operating system manufacturers like Apple, Google, and Microsoft update their operating systems to support the new emojis. This usually happens a few months after the Unicode Standard update.
Step 3: Device Updates
Device manufacturers update their devices to support the new emojis. This can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the manufacturer.
How to Get New Emojis
Now that you know how new emojis are created and added to the Unicode Standard, you’re probably wondering how to get them on your device.
Update Your Operating System
The easiest way to get new emojis is to update your operating system. Make sure you’re running the latest version of your operating system, and you’ll get access to the new emojis.
Use a Third-Party Emoji Keyboard
If you can’t wait for the new emojis to be added to your device, you can use a third-party emoji keyboard. These keyboards often have access to new emojis before they’re available on your device.
Use Emoji Fonts
Another way to get new emojis is to use emoji fonts. Emoji fonts are special fonts that include emojis. You can download and install emoji fonts on your device, and use them to access new emojis.
The Future of Emojis
Emojis have come a long way since their inception in the late 1990s. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of emojis in the future.
3D Emojis
One area of innovation is 3D emojis. With the growth of virtual and augmented reality, we can expect to see more 3D emojis that can be used in immersive experiences.
Personalized Emojis
Another area of innovation is personalized emojis. With advances in AI and machine learning, we can expect to see emojis that can be customized to individual users.
Conclusion
Emojis have become an essential part of our digital communication, and new emojis are being added to the Unicode Standard every year. By understanding the process of how new emojis are created and added to our devices, we can appreciate the work that goes into creating these tiny pictures that bring so much joy to our online interactions. Whether you’re a emoji enthusiast or just someone who loves to use emojis in your daily conversations, this article has shown you how to get new emojis and stay ahead of the curve.
What are the different types of emojis that can be proposed?
The Unicode Consortium, the organization responsible for approving new emojis, accepts proposals for various types of emojis, including characters, symbols, objects, and flags. These proposals can come from individuals, companies, or organizations. To increase the chances of a proposal being approved, it’s essential to demonstrate that the emoji is widely desired, has a clear meaning, and is not easily represented by existing emojis.
In addition to the type of emoji, proposals can also vary in terms of the platform or context in which they will be used. For example, some proposals may be specifically designed for use in messaging apps, while others may be intended for use on social media or in online advertising. Similarly, some proposals may be geared towards specific industries or communities, such as emojis for use in healthcare or education.
How do I submit a proposal for a new emoji?
To submit a proposal for a new emoji, you’ll need to create a detailed document outlining the concept, design, and potential uses of the emoji. This document should include information about the emoji’s meaning, how it will be used, and why it’s needed. You’ll also need to provide examples of how the emoji will be used in different contexts, such as in sentences or phrases.
Once you’ve prepared your proposal, you can submit it to the Unicode Consortium through their website. The consortium reviews proposals on a quarterly basis, and if your proposal is approved, it will be added to the Unicode Standard for consideration by vendors and platforms. It’s worth noting that the submission process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s essential to carefully review the guidelines and requirements before submitting your proposal.
What are the most important factors in getting a new emoji approved?
When evaluating proposals for new emojis, the Unicode Consortium considers several key factors. One of the most important is whether the emoji is widely desired and has a clear meaning. The consortium also looks at whether the emoji can be used in a variety of contexts, and whether it’s easily distinguishable from existing emojis.
In addition to these factors, the consortium also considers the potential frequency of use, the level of demand, and the completeness of the proposal. A well-researched and well-written proposal that provides detailed information about the emoji and its potential uses will be more likely to be approved than a hastily prepared or incomplete proposal.
Can I propose an emoji for a specific brand or company?
While it’s possible to propose an emoji for a specific brand or company, the Unicode Consortium is hesitant to approve proprietary emojis. Emojis are intended to be universal and platform-agnostic, and the consortium aims to ensure that they remain free from commercial influences.
If you’re interested in proposing an emoji for a specific brand or company, it’s essential to demonstrate that the emoji has broader appeal and utility beyond the brand itself. You may also need to provide evidence that the brand is willing to relinquish control over the emoji and allow it to be used by others.
How long does it take for a new emoji to be approved and implemented?
The process of proposing, approving, and implementing a new emoji can take several years. After submitting a proposal, it may take several months for the Unicode Consortium to review and approve it. Once approved, the emoji is added to the Unicode Standard, which is typically updated on a annual basis.
After the emoji is added to the Unicode Standard, it’s up to vendors and platforms to implement it. This can take additional time, depending on the vendor’s or platform’s development cycle and priorities. On average, it can take 12-18 months for a new emoji to be implemented across popular platforms.
Can I propose a variation of an existing emoji?
Yes, it’s possible to propose a variation of an existing emoji. In fact, the Unicode Consortium has approved several variations of existing emojis in recent years. To propose a variation, you’ll need to demonstrate that it’s significantly different from the existing emoji and that it has a clear meaning or use case.
When proposing a variation, it’s essential to provide detailed information about how the new emoji differs from the existing one, and why it’s necessary. You should also provide examples of how the new emoji will be used in different contexts, and demonstrate that it has broad appeal and utility.
What happens if my proposal is rejected?
If your proposal is rejected, you can revise and resubmit it for consideration. The Unicode Consortium provides feedback on rejected proposals, which can help you identify areas for improvement. It’s not uncommon for proposals to be rejected on the first submission, and many successful emoji proposals have been revised and resubmitted multiple times.
When revising a rejected proposal, it’s essential to address the concerns and feedback provided by the Unicode Consortium. This may involve providing additional information, refining the design or concept, or demonstrating a clearer use case or meaning. With persistence and a willingness to revise and improve, it’s possible to eventually get a rejected proposal approved.