Apple Adds Diversity to Its Emoji Keyboard
Vasiliki Marapas — February 24, 2015 — Tech
As promised, the next Apple iOS 8.3 update will include new, multicultural emoji when it's released to the public this spring.
The updated keyboard will feature a skin modifying component, allowing users to change the skin tone of the character they wish to use simply by tapping and holding it. The skin tones were developed in accordance with the Fitzpatrick scale, a Unicode Consortium-approved dermatology standard. Along with ethnic diversity, the new keyboard features same-sex couples in the family category, along with couple's without children.
In total, there will be 300 new emojis included in the update. This might seem like an overwhelming amount, but considering the prevalence of emoji communication in today's texting culture, the new characters will be widely welcomed.
The updated keyboard will feature a skin modifying component, allowing users to change the skin tone of the character they wish to use simply by tapping and holding it. The skin tones were developed in accordance with the Fitzpatrick scale, a Unicode Consortium-approved dermatology standard. Along with ethnic diversity, the new keyboard features same-sex couples in the family category, along with couple's without children.
In total, there will be 300 new emojis included in the update. This might seem like an overwhelming amount, but considering the prevalence of emoji communication in today's texting culture, the new characters will be widely welcomed.
Trend Themes
1. Multicultural Emoji Characters - Increasing representation and diversity in emoji characters to better reflect the global population.
2. Customizable Emoji Skin Tones - Allowing users to modify the skin tone of emoji characters to personalize their representation.
3. Inclusive Emoji Representation - Including same-sex couples and diverse family structures in emoji characters to promote inclusivity.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - Developing new features and updates for emoji keyboards to enhance user experience and cater to diverse user preferences.
2. Social Media - Integrating culturally diverse emoji characters into social media platforms to enable users to express themselves with more accurate representations.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Utilizing multicultural emoji characters in brand campaigns and advertisements to appeal to a wider audience and showcase inclusivity.
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