WhatsApp has introduced its own line of emoji.
The redesigned emoticons are set to be introduced into the Android version of the messaging app in the coming months.
But iOS users might experience a little deja-vu when checking out the emoji designed specifically for WhatsApp.
The Facebook-owned messenger’s emoji are very close to their Apple counterparts.
The new set of emoji are available in the latest WhatsApp beta on Android, which was released today, Emojipedia has reported.
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These new characters are only in beta, so could change before the public launch – or be scrapped entirely.
Google recently redesigned its own emoji characters for its latest mobile operating system, Android 8.0 Oreo.
The California-based technology company dropped the distinctive tear-drop shape of its characters in favour of an Apple–esque design.
The news comes as WhatsApp revealed plans to monetise its app.
WhatsApp wants to streamline communication features for customers who want to send enquiries to businesses or brands.
Customers who would usually use the chat window on a businesses’ website will be able to send them a message within WhatsApp.
To help users tell businesses and individuals apart, the popular chat app will roll-out dedicated verification badges, like the Blue Ticks on Twitter.
Thankfully, in order to chat with customers, companies will have to be approved by the user. That should prevent users being plagued with marketing spam from companies.
Companies in Europe, Brazil, India and Indonesia are already believed to be testing the new feature.
According to The Next Web, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is one of the biggest companies testing the functionality ahead of a wider roll-out.
It’s clear Facebook is looking for ways to monetise WhatsApp after quietly ditching the 69p a year subscription model when it acquired the app back in 2014.
More details about the new paid features for businesses are tipped to arrive next week.