How do you make your emoji stand out in a sea of similar designs? You give them an awesome 3D makeover, of course! That’s exactly what Microsoft is doing with more than 1,800 emoji characters inside Microsoft Teams.
The redesign, which starts rolling out today in an early preview, will be available all platforms — including macOS, iOS and the web.
Microsoft starts rolling out new 3D emoji
What’s great about emoji is that no matter which platform you use, they all look mostly the same. So, those on Android understand what their friends on iPhone are trying to convey when they send smilies and other characters.
But that’s also a bit of a downside. Every company tries to inject its own spirit so that its emoji characters look like … its own — and some are better than others. Apple has historically offered some of the best, but not anymore.
As part of its new Fluent design language for Windows 11, Microsoft is overhauling its entire emoji library with new 3D designs. They’re rolling out now as a preview for Teams users and will eventually come to Windows, too.
“The new emojis bring a modern and delightful new version of the emojis we use every day,” said Kaushal Mehta, a Teams engineer. “Users will see a new take on most of the previous Teams emojis, along with some new picks!”
Available on all platforms
Microsoft isn’t stopping at 3D, either. Some emoji will feature “delightful animations,” and the company will continue to offer six skin tones where applicable. You don’t have to use Windows to enjoy them, either.
The overhauled emoji characters will be available inside Teams on all platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS and iPadOS, Android, Linux, and even on the web in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and more.
To start using the new emoji now, follow Microsoft’s guide to sign up for the Teams public preview. The update will eventually roll out to all Teams users.
