Google today announced Noto 3D, a new emoji collection designed to bring physicality and depth to digital communication. The update moves away from the flat emoji designs of recent years, introducing three-dimensional characters that aim to make messages feel more expressive and present.
The company framed the evolution of emoji as a reflection of how digital communication continues to change. From the blob emoji of the 2010s to today’s announcement, Google positions emoji as a universal language that bridges the gap between flat text and tangible emotion.
Noto 3D emoji are designed to add weight and dimension to digital expressions, addressing what Google describes as the challenge of conveying feelings authentically online. The new collection will be available across Google services, starting with Pixel phones later this year.
No specific emoji designs were detailed in the announcement beyond a reference to the burrito emoji used internally at Google to signal when new emoji are ready for delivery.