November 16, 2016 - 18:21 AMT
Google's Allo chat app getting suggested emoji button

Google is switching up the emoji shortcut button on its Allo chat app. Now, instead of just bringing up the emoji keyboard, the “Smart Smiley” button will bring up a list of suggested emoji and stickers that are relevant to what you’re typing. For now, the feature will only work with English, The Verge said.

It’s an extension of Allo’s prediction algorithm, which so far has been used to give you suggested one-tap replies to text messages that are based on the way that you actually chat. Those “suggestion chips” will also contain emoji and stickers now, too.

Google is also taking full advantage of its #brand relationship with the new Harry Potter movie "Fantastic Beasts" and "Where to Find Them" with a new sticker pack. There are also new themes for chats if you don’t like the standard bubble background.