WATCH: Google gets phoney, introducing audio emoji responses during calls
Yes, Kfm Mornings tried conversations using audio emojis and it was hilarious.
Thought emojis changed the communication game?
Well, now you can hear them - six of them - evolutionary?!
As reported by 9to5google, Google has launched six new audio emojis, which feature a five-second animation accompanied by a cheeky sound effect matching the emoji during a call.
Basically, you can respond and have entire conversations using sound reactions.
The tech giant is introducing new 'Audio Emoji' to its 'Phone by Google' app.
According to Google, the tool lets you "express emotions and moods".
Users can select from six emojis in total, including a hand clapping, a sad trombone ('wah wah wah!') and a fart sound, reflecting the always popular, poop emoji.
For example:
- Want to congratulate someone? Use the applause emoji to hear clapping.
- Told a dad joke? Use the laughing emoji to hear laughter.
- Wish someone happy birthday using the party emoji to hear fun.
- Someone's dog died, lost their job or broke up with their boyfriend? The sad emoji's 'wonk wonk' is there to provide solace.
- Want to break interesting news to someone? The drum emoji with a drumming sound awaits.
- Someone farted or had food poisoning? The farting emoji with its accompanying poopy sound is appropriate.
Of course, the Kfm Mornings team showed us how this might sound IRL...
Want to use audio emojis?
To activate the feature, you need to first make sure you have the 'Phone by Google' app installed on your Android device.
However, to use 'Phone by Google', you must agree to have it set as your default phone app – which may replace whatever app you were already using.
Once you initiate a call, a small pop-up button above the menu should be visible with the words 'Audio Emoji'.
Tapping the button should bring up the six emoji options for you to press and irritate or amuse your chat partner.
So let the record show:
In 2024, we're spelling without vowels (er, who needs them?), using acronyms (LOL, LMAO, OMG), avatars, emojis and gifs to respond and now we've gone back to taking phone calls with audio emojis - what a time to be alive.
As Sibs asks: has the communication evolution brought us closer to human interaction or are we drifting further away from it? [insert wonk wonk audio emoji here].