Skip to main content

Windows 11 may get the 3D emojis we were promised

Microsoft shipped new emojis in Windows 11 last year, but they caused quite some controversy as the emojis weren’t actually 3D as the company first teased. There was never an explanation for that change in design, but it is now looking as though the originally promised 3D emoji could still be in the works.

Though Microsoft itself hasn’t recently said anything about 3D emoji on its official channels, one of its employees sent indications about it. In a response to a tweet from a Windows 11 user lamenting the lack of 3D emoji, Nando Costa, who is the visual artist and design leader at Microsoft Design, said: “Thank you and agreed! We’re working on that.”

Windows 11's redesigned emoji on an orange background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This goes back to what happened in November 2021. At that time, Microsoft admitted to Windows Central that it lacked clarity about where 3D emojis would show up. The company indicated that 3D emoji will only show up in apps that support them, such as Microsoft Teams or Skype. It’s more than likely that Costa’s tweet is referring to this, as rolling out 3D emoji to all of Windows and all of its platforms might be quite the task for the company, according to The Verge.

Recommended Videos

Either way, it’s the first time in a while that a Microsoft employee has spoken about the topic. Another Microsoft employee, Brandon LeBlanc, who is a product manager on the Windows Insider Program, also commented on this issue, pointing to the Microsoft Design Blog for more details.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Microsoft put a lot of thought into its emoji redesign, even if the emoji are just 2D. In a LinkedIn post, Costa talks about the long journey of upgrading Windows’ emoji. Costa says the emoji are more personal and familiar. He also revealed that Microsoft used tools like Adobe Illustrator and Font Lab in the design process

There still might not be a solid date for when you can expect 3D emoji in Windows 11, but Costa did indicate on LinkedIn that the team will “continue creating new designs every year.” We’ll let you be the judge on what that means, but for now, 2D emoji and Clippy might have to do.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Here’s why some PC gamers shouldn’t install the latest Windows 11 update
Overwatch 2 running on the LG OLED 27 gaming monitor.

The latest Windows 11 update, codenamed 24H2, has been a troubled rollout for Microsoft, but one thing's been clear from the beginning: PC gamers should wait to install it. Let's add another issue to the list, shall we?

As spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft has confirmed in an update to its Windows 11 24H2 problems page, that Windows 11 24H2 is causing issues with its Auto HDR feature. The result of the bug is that incorrect colors are being displayed or, even worse, are breaking games entirely and causing them to not be responsive.

Read more
Windows 11 to finally address this webcam deficiency
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x front view showing webcam.

The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26120.2702) was released a couple of days ago and it adds a new camera feature that probably should have been added ages ago. Once the build rolls out to all Windows 11 PCs, you'll be able to let multiple apps use your camera at the same time.

Microsoft says the reason it developed this feature is to "enable video streaming to both a sign language interpreter and the end audience at the same time" but users will surely find a range of uses for it.

Read more
Windows 11 may finally take iPhone collaboration to the next level
microsoft testing improvements on iphone to pc sharing connectivity phone link ios setup

Microsoft is now establishing file-sharing support between iPhones and its Windows 11 or Windows 10 PCs. Users will be able to connect the devices with the brand’s Phone Link app and Link to Windows app to enable the function. Currently, the feature is available to Windows Insiders users for testing purposes.

Microsoft has not shared other details about the iPhone to Windows file-sharing feature, just installation instructions. To use this function, you must install the previously released Phone Link for iOS app. Microsoft made the Phone Link for iOS app available last spring enabling iPhone users to receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, view notifications, and access contacts directly on Windows PCs.

Read more