Title: Windows 11 Introduces 3D-Style Emoji, Addressing a Past Controversy
In the latest preview build of Windows 11, Microsoft has finally delivered on its promise of 3D-style emoji, much to the delight of users who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival for over two years. This development comes as a significant step forward for the operating system’s security, as well as an attempt to rectify a past controversy surrounding the emoji design.
Build 25905, available in the Canary channel, showcases these new emoji, which boast a more visually appealing 3D-like appearance, thanks to the clever use of gradients. Microsoft has listened to its customers, who had expressed their desire for this specific design style.
Aside from the long-awaited emoji upgrade, the preview build also strengthens the security aspect of Windows 11 by introducing Rust into the Windows Kernel. Rust, a coding language renowned for its memory safety features and defenses against potential exploits, replaces the existing C++ language. This initial foray into using Rust is considered a small trial, with Microsoft likely to further integrate it into the Windows 11 kernel in the future.
Additionally, Microsoft Store now features an AI Hub, available to all testers using version 22306.1401.x.x or a more recent iteration of the store. The AI Hub aims to showcase top applications that effectively utilize artificial intelligence and related technologies, ultimately improving user experience.
As for the past controversy surrounding the promised 3D-like emoji, referred to as ’emojigate,’ Microsoft had initially teased these emoji before the launch of Windows 11. However, when the operating system was released in October 2021, users were disappointed to find that the redesigned emoji were flat icons and not the anticipated 3D style. This discrepancy sparked outrage on social media, with some accusing Microsoft of deceptive practices.
Microsoft attributed the mishap to a mix-up in graphics, explaining that the wrong visuals were showcased during the promotional period. Although this explanation did not appease all Windows 11 users at the time, Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, assured them that the 3D emoji would eventually make their appearance in Windows 11. Now, in the testing phase, these long-awaited 3D-style emoji have finally debuted, and users can expect them to be included in the final release of Windows 11 later this year.
For more detailed information about the new preview build and its features, Microsoft has provided a comprehensive blog post that covers all the updates.
With the introduction of 3D-style emoji and the ongoing efforts to enhance security and highlight AI-powered applications, Windows 11 continues to evolve, making strides to meet user expectations and provide an improved overall experience.
