Google introduces emoji reactions for Email conversations

WEB DESK: Google has introduced a new feature to Gmail, making emails more interactive and expressive. Users can now add emoji reactions to their messages, such as a thumbs up, sparkling heart, party popper, laughing face, praying hands, and the classic smiley face, among others.

This feature, akin to emojis in instant messaging, aims to add a personal touch to emails without the need for a written reply.

The reactions, which have started rolling out to Android devices, will soon be available on iOS devices and the web. Each reaction is visible to everyone in the email thread and can even include animations.

For example, selecting the party popper reaction showers your screen with digital confetti. Users can send up to 20 reactions in response to the same Gmail message.

However, there are limitations to this new feature. Users with work or school accounts cannot send emoji reactions and will receive each emoji as a separate email.

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This restriction also applies to third-party email clients like Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, Gmail does not allow reactions for emails sent in BCC, encrypted messages, or emails with custom reply-to addresses.

Reports about the introduction of emoji reactions in Gmail first surfaced on industry insider AssembleDebug’s blog, TheSpAndroid, and The Tape Drive with Steve Moser.

AssembleDebug even demonstrated the feature in a YouTube video, generating anticipation among Gmail users. With this update, Google aims to enhance the Gmail experience, making communication more vibrant and engaging.