After a new iOS 9.1 emoji character set was just released for iPhones and iPads, there is now some good news for green-with-envy Android smartphone fans. Google has promised to improve the selection of emojis for its mobile platform.
Android's new senior VP Hiroshi Lockheimer promised new emojis for Android mobile users in a tweet on October 22, Thursday, according to DroidLife. The move is likely an attempt to keep up with Apple.
This week it released new emojis, which included the much-requested taco emoji. Android users might soon get their own version of the Mexican food ideogram.
Apple launched its iOS 9.1 update for all iPhone and iPad owners, according to BGR. It included several features including a security update, bug fixes, and a new Live Photos feature.
However, most iOS device users were waiting with anticipation for the new emoji characters. They include over 150 new emojis in the Unicode Standard, include a taco and middle finger emoji.
iOS was in fact the first operating system to include all emojis added to the Unicode Standard. The next Unicode update is scheduled to take place in mid-2016.
An exact Android emoji set release date has not been announced. Thus, it could be launched a short or long time from now.
The Unicode Consortium is the industry body that defines which images are to be added to the emoji character set. Apple has reported that it works closely with the Consortium to make updates to the standard, such as the recent move to boost emoji diversity.
The literal meaning of "emoji" in Japanese is "picture character."