WhatsApp introduces its own set of emoji in the latest beta version for Android (2.17.364)

WhatsApp are once again changing, evolving and adapting to suits its needs, making one wonder whether the people behind the scenes at WhatsApp ever really stop to take a break. The latest move is all to do with the set of emoji on offer with the latest Android beta version 2.17.364.

Until now, WhatsApp have always used the iOS emoji designs across all platforms. That means that whether you are running Android, Windows, iOS and the rest, you’d all see the exact same emoji regardless of who sent what. The idea of a unified emoji set certainly makes sense and prevents any confusion along the way.

The move to create their own independent emoji set however also makes sense. By evolving their own themed set of emoji, they can add and change them as they please without waiting for iOS to break the mold or do something different.

The actual emoji themselves are very, very similar to the originals though so don’t expect a big game-changer here. Although you can expect a little bit of disappointment when you cast your eyes over the somewhat cartoonish designs. That said, the detail in some of them has improved a lot, for example the emoji of the penguin, or chick, are no longer flat. They have a slight depth to them which gives them contrast and makes them “pop” a bit more.

We’ll all get used to them no doubt and as millions of people use the communication giant all over the world, we have little choice but to accept the change.