The implementation of emojis on different platforms took place across a three-decade period, starting in the 1990s. Today, the exact appearance of emoji is not prescribed but can vary between fonts and platforms, much like different typefaces.
For example, the Apple Color Emoji typeface is proprietary to Apple, and can only be used on Apple devices (without additional hacking).[1] Different computing companies have developed their own fonts to display emoji, some of which have been open-sourced to permit their reuse.[2][3] Both color and monochrome emoji typefaces exist, as well as at least one animated design.[4]
- ^ "[MOD] Apple Color Emoji system-wide for KitKat+ (updated with unicorns)". XDA Developers. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- ^ Davidson, Mike. "Open sourcing Twitter emoji for everyone". Twitter developer blog. Twitter. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- ^ "Emoji One: Open Source Emoji". Emoji One. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- ^ El Khoury, Rita (December 11, 2014). "Woohoo! Animated Emoji Easter Eggs Overload The Latest Hangouts With Their Cuteness, Hehehehe". Android Police. Retrieved January 15, 2015.