LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Gmail, Google’s widely-used email client, is set to receive a new emoji reaction feature for both Android and iOS users.
Like Microsoft Outlook, this feature will allow users to respond to emails using emojis.
An emoji button will appear on the right side of emails next to the three-dot options menu, enabling users to select from a list of available emojis to react quickly.
According to AssembleDebug’s report on TheSpAndroid blog, the emoji reactions feature is nearing rollout.
When users tap the emoji react button for the first time, they will receive a tip from Google, encouraging quick responses and adding a personal touch.
However, those using email clients other than Gmail may receive emoji reactions as separate email replies rather than inline reactions within the same email.
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Upon tapping the emoji reaction icon, users will have access to a preset list of five emojis for quick reactions, with an option to access the entire emoji library via the ‘+’ button.
The report outlines three possible methods for sending emoji reactions: using the emoji icon next to the three-dot menu, choosing the ‘add reaction’ option within the three-dot menu, or selecting an emoji button at the bottom of the email alongside the Reply, Reply All, and Forward buttons.
Additionally, users may be able to react to emails by tapping on emojis that others have previously used to respond to the same email.
While Gmail users on iOS and Android will natively support emoji reactions within the app, recipients using different email clients may receive each emoji reaction as separate replies.
It remains uncertain whether this feature will be available on the web version of Gmail alongside its mobile release.
In June, Google began rolling out its AI-powered ‘Help Me Write’ feature to Gmail for Android and iOS, assisting users in drafting emails based on prompts.
This feature was announced at the Google I/O 2023 event, introducing various new AI tools.