Google announced today that the latest Gmail updates will include hundreds of new wallpapers, an expansion of the search engine's huge emoji library, and editing tools that allow for vignettes and text backgrounds. It will likely roll out in the next few days. The new move will give Google Gmail users the ability to make their email accounts more personalized such as through high-resolution themes, which in 2008 appeared for the first time in the electronic mail service.
Google users' response to the changes will likely be based how fond they are of the new themes. Fans of customized e-mail might favor the changes.
The new Gmail version will include "hundreds" of extra wallpapers, some of which originated from Google users, according to Slash Gear. A last resort will be for users to upload their own background picture.
Google will also add some editing tools for making wallpaper changes. These include vignettes, blurs, and text backgrounds, according to The Verge.
Another key feature to Google's updated email system is new emojis to use in e-mails and chats. The suggestion is that Gmail users will be able to express their current thoughts and actions more effectively, such as when running late for a big appointment, or before backyard barbecues and other upcoming events.
Google's emoji library dates back to 2013. It remains to be seen what will happen to the old collection after the new emoticons are made available through the Gmail updates.
Emojis are not just a passing fad. Instead, they help e-mail users to communicate effectively and are here to stay.
Emojis originated in Japan, and the word literally means "picture " (e) + "character (moji).