Microsoft may bring 3D emoji to Windows 11 after all… maybe
Microsoft’s confusing emojigate saga continues with a blog post and a 😅 emoji.
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What you need to know
Microsoft’semojigatelooks like it’s set to have another chapter. When Microsoft shipped Windows 11 last year, many were upset and confused that the operating system did not contain Microsoft’s new 3D emoji. Now, it appears that Microsoft may still plan to ship 3D emoji to Windows 11.
In aLinkedIn blog post, distinguished designer at Microsoft Nando Costa shares a history of the process of making 3D emoji. Twitter user Ethan Alvarée said, “lovely. Wish they actually looked like this on Windows 11” in a tweet to Costa about the blog post, to which Costa said, “thank you and agreed! We’re working on that.”
Thank you and agreed! We’re working on that. 😅Thank you and agreed! We’re working on that. 😅— Nando Costa (@nandocosta_art)January 28, 2022January 28, 2022
Back in August 2021, the official Windows Twitter accountshared images of 3D emojiand specifically mentioned that they were for Windows 11. TheWindows UK Twitter accountalso mentioned the new 3D emoji for Windows 11.
Twitter user Mon accused Microsoft of scamming people, which Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc rebuffed:
No, they didn’t scam you. You’re exaggerating this a bit. They simply used the wrong graphics. Sorry about that. Will make sure they use the right ones going forward.No, they didn’t scam you. You’re exaggerating this a bit. They simply used the wrong graphics. Sorry about that. Will make sure they use the right ones going forward.— Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc)October 15, 2021October 15, 2021
In October 2021, ablog postauthored in part by LeBlanc highlighted new emoji in a Dev build of Windows 11, but they were 2D versions of the emoji.
Emojigate seems to draw out the passion of Windows users and Microsoft fans. While there’s a chance that critics are simply passionate about emoji design,many commentscenter around the fact that Microsoft seems to have mixed messaging regarding its plans for the 3D emoji.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
