Google's Phone app is set to enhance your call experience with a playful update-Audio Emoji. This novel feature is now being introduced to select users, adding a dash of fun to everyday phone conversations.
If you recall what Google Meet received in early 2023 for its in-meeting, it was quite similar to the audio emoji that is about to grace the Phone app soon.
What Are Audio Emojis?
Before the audio emojis became a thing on Google Phone, it was first introduced to Facebook. According to Tech Times, it was in 2022 when the social media platform added "soundmojis" on Messenger.
Audio Emojis are a collection of sound effects linked to specific emojis that play during phone calls, allowing users to express their emotions uniquely and entertainingly. Currently, the Google Phone app offers six different Audio Emojis, as per 9to5Google and these include:
- Clapping (Applause): Express appreciation or celebrate a moment.
- Laughing: Share a laugh to lighten the mood.
- Party: Bring a sense of festivity to your calls.
- Crying (Trombone): Playfully indicates disappointment or sadness.
- Poop: Add a humorous, albeit cheeky, sound.
- Sting (Ba Dum Tss): Highlight a punchline or a witty remark.
How Audio Emoji Works
When you choose an Audio Emoji during a call, the Google Phone app displays a delightful animation, and a corresponding sound effect is played. This sound is audible to both the caller and the recipient, making it a shared experience.
To prevent potential overuse and ensure the feature remains enjoyable, Google has implemented a cooldown period between uses. The need to spam these audio emojis is a no-no.
Accessing and Managing Audio Emoji
Users can access Audio Emoji in two ways within the Google Phone app. One method is through a dedicated button in the overflow menu, and another is via a chip that appears directly in the main calling interface, per Mashable.
The reason for the dual access points remains unclear, but it provides flexibility in how users engage with the feature. For those who prefer not to use Audio Emoji, there is an option in the settings to disable it completely.
Audio Emoji Coming to Google Phone Very Soon
The Audio Emoji feature is currently available through the latest update of the Google Phone app in the beta channel, specifically version 128. It is expected to become available to all users shortly. However, the specific rollout of the feature is not yet announced.
While the introduction of Audio Emoji might seem trivial to some, it illustrates Google's ongoing effort to inject a fun and light-hearted element into its utility apps. The inclusion of a variety of sounds, from applause to comedic effects like a fart noise, caters to different user preferences and situations. Although it's debatable how often these features will be used, they certainly have the potential to bring a smile during a call.
As the feature rolls out more broadly, it will be interesting to see how users incorporate Audio emojis into their daily communications and whether it will enhance the overall phone call experience or simply serve as a novelty.
For those eager to try out this new feature, keeping your Google Phone app updated through the Google Play Store is advisable. As with all beta features, user feedback will likely shape its development and integration into future versions of the app.
If you have a Discord account, you can explore voice chats with the Soundboard. It lets you use short audio clips during voice chats. Here, you can upload your own audio and choose the best icon for these funny audio clips.
