Google Phone has just introduced a quirky new feature called "Audio Emoji," and it's definitely turning heads—mostly for being quite bizarre! This latest addition to the Google Phone app brings a set of stock sound effects paired with six different emoji expressions.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from these Audio Emoji:
- Clapping (Applause)
- Laughing
- Party
- Crying (Trombone)
- Poop
- Sting (Ba Dum Tss)
When you're on a call and decide to spice things up, you can select one of these Audio Emoji. The Google Phone app will then unleash a delightful animation alongside a sound effect that both parties can hear during the call.
In the app's settings, Google describes the feature as a way to "express emotions and moods with sounds like applause, laughter, sad trombone, and more with tappable emoji while you’re in a call."
However, there's a catch—you can't spam these effects non-stop. There's a cooldown period between uses to prevent overuse, which is probably wise given the nature of some of these sounds.
Accessing Audio Emoji is pretty straightforward. You can find a dedicated button for it in the overflow menu or spot a chip right in the main calling interface—though why there are two methods isn't entirely clear. For those who prefer a more traditional phone experience, there's an option to disable the feature altogether.
Currently, Audio Emoji is rolling out in the beta channel of the Google Phone app with version 128, with wider availability expected in the coming weeks.
Now, opinions on this feature seem mixed. Some users find it a bit, well, dumb. While the "Sting" effect might provide some comic relief, others question the practicality of having a fart sound in the mix.
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Photo: Getty