Overview
- Google announced the 'Noto 3D' emoji during The Android Show at Google I/O, tying the update to Android 17 with a Pixel rollout later this year.
- The redesign adds 3D textures and depth to the current catalog, keeping most shapes while refreshing the look.
- Reporters say the new style looks less cartoon-like and more in line with iPhone and Samsung emoji, which can reduce cross-platform misreads.
- Google frames the change as adding 'physicality' so messages feel more expressive when viewed on screens.
- Coverage notes this continues Google's move away from its 2010s blob era, and journalists say the blobs are not coming back as the system set.