Communication among Gmail users has become more interesting. Google is introducing emoji reactions to its email service, allowing users to add personality to their messages. Reactions include thumbs up, shiny hearts, party crackers, smiley faces, praying hands, classic smiley faces and more. The feature has started rolling out on Android devices and will appear on iOS devices and the web in the coming months.
Like emojis in instant messages, the new Gmail reactions are a convenient alternative to email that don't necessarily require a written reply. Everyone in the thread can see your emoji reactions, which may even include animations. For example, partypopper displays a rain of digital confetti on your screen. You can send up to 20 reactions in the same Gmail message.
However, there are some caveats. For example, if you have a work or school account, not only can't you send emoji reactions, but you'll also receive each emoji as a separate email. The same goes for using third-party email such as AppleMail or Microsoft Outlook. Gmail also won't let you send emoticons if you're on BCC, the email is encrypted, or the sender has a custom reply address.
Rumors about the arrival of emoji reactions in Gmail first appeared on industry insiders AssembleDebug's blog TheSpAndroid and Steve Moser's TheTapeDrive.
AssembleDebug also demonstrates the feature in a YouTube video: