Google’s Playful Addition: Audio Emojis for Phone Calls
Android users are in for a treat as Google spices up phone conversations with the introduction of “Audio Emoji” in the Google Phone app. This innovative feature allows users to send sound effects during calls, adding a new dimension of fun and personalization to their audio interactions. The aim is to let users convey emotions and reactions through more than just words, enhancing the overall call experience.
The news, initially covered by 9to5Google, reveals that the Audio Emoji feature is currently in beta. Those enrolled in the Google Phone app’s beta program can experiment with six unique sound effects: sad, applause, celebrate, laugh, drumroll, and poop. Spotted in development last year, the feature has made its way to the latest beta version (version 128) of the app.
Activating Audio Emoji
For users eager to try out Audio Emojis, the activation process is straightforward:
- Navigate to your phone’s Settings.
- Proceed to the General section.
- Select Audio Emojis.
- Switch on the feature.
- With the feature enabled, a new button appears within the call interface, prompting users to “Try Audio Emoji” and select from the sound effects on offer.
It’s important to note that Audio Emojis are only functional in speaker mode. To ensure conversations remain fluid, there’s a slight pause between the use of each audio emoji.
Anticipating a Wider Audience
While currently exclusive to beta testers, Google anticipates a wider release of Audio Emojis in the near future, looking to bring a dash of creativity to more Android users’ calls.
This announcement is part of a series of updates aimed at refining the Android experience. For example, Google has recently enabled the simultaneous download and installation of multiple apps from the Google Play Store. This update is a departure from the previous queuing system and is particularly beneficial when setting up new devices.
With the new functionality, users can download two apps at once, streamlining the setup process and providing quicker access to new apps. The feature is especially handy for larger applications, such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing concurrent downloads. Progress can be tracked either in the Play Store or on the home screen and is available on Android 14 devices using Play Store version 40.6.31.
