Microsoft angers Windows 11 users because of… emojis?
Not the emojis you are looking for
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Microsofthas managed to annoy quite a fewWindows 11users, but not for the reasons you may expect. As part of Windows 11’s visual overhaul, Microsoft made a reasonably big deal over redesigned emojis – those little cartoon faces that some people use to pepper their conversations with.
Windows 11’s ‘Fluent Design’ look is a big departure fromWindows 10, and emojis were expected to be redesigned to fit in with the new look. AsMSPoweruser reports, Microsoft’s Windows social media profiles were teasing the new look emojis, and so a fairly sizable portion of the Windows 11 userbase was looking forward to getting them.
However, it seems like the emoji hype has backfired, as Microsoft has included the redesigned emojis in a new Insider build of Windows 11. These are early versions of theoperating systemsent out to people who have signed up to help test upcoming new features.
The problem is, the new emojis do not look as good as the ones teased by Microsoft, and some people aren’t happy.
Pre-project, definite 2. 🤣Mid-project, definite 5. 🤨Post-project, definite 6. 🥵Which new @Windows 11 emoji are you? Tag your team. 😂#Windows11 #Emojis pic.twitter.com/aJalDopqKLOctober 8, 2021
Spot the difference
As you can see from the Windows UK tweet above, the emojis that were hinted at are lively and engaging, with a hint of 3D design.
However, the new emojis that are coming to Windows 11 are pretty different, with a less interesting flat 2D design.
The differences between what was hinted at and what was delivered wasn’t missed by many people, who have been complaining to Microsoft about it, with some even accusing Microsoft of scamming them.
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That’s a bit over the top – these arejustemoji’s overall – and it led to Microsoft Program manager Brandon LeBlanc apologizing, suggesting that the wrong graphics had been used.
LeBlanc also hinted to another annoyed user that those 3D emojis may come at a later date.
Analysis: Communication matters
While this controversy around what emojis look like in Windows 11 may seem like a load of sound and fury, signifying nothing, it does highlight how important communication is for companies who are drumming up hype for their products.
If you’re hinting at a new design or feature, no matter how minor, you’re going to want to deliver on those promises, or someone somewhere will likely be disappointed. The reaction to ‘emojigate’ may have taken Microsoft by surprise, but for many people around the world, emojis are a key part of howtheycommunicate with friends and loved ones, so how they look can mean a lot to them.
Hopefully, Microsoft delivers on its promise of emojis for those who are disappointed, while taking an important lesson from this: no matter how small a feature may be, never over-promise and underdeliver.
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.
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