The Return of Microsoft’s Clippy

Grace Edwards 15 Jul 2021

Microsoft has announced the return of its infamous Clippy character as an emoji in Office. Following a campaign on Twitter and Instagram, Clippy will be replacing the previous paperclip emoji previously existing across Windows, Office, Microsoft Teams, and other Microsoft 365 products. This is only a part of a much bigger update of Microsoft 365’s 1800 emoji with 3D designs and its Fluent Design language.

Microsoft will be replacing its standard paperclip emoji with a big-eyed, happy helper, Clippy, towards World Emoji Day. Clippy has been redesigned with a lot more personality this time around.

Plans for an emoji refresh by Microsoft have been underway over the past year, with 3D designs preferred over 2D, and a decision to animate most emojis. Because of the pandemic, most people began to work from home, and Microsoft has decided to add five new emojis to capture this new change in work style with its attendant mood and challenges.

A study carried out by Microsoft revealed that about 57% of people considered using emojis in the workplace to be professional and, in fact, helpful in making conversations more humane. Microsoft will release the new emojis in the coming months, beginning with Flipgrid in August and other platforms such as Windows and Teams during the holiday season.

Emojis went from being something childish to something that is deemed appropriate to be used in a workspace environment. It may be baffling for an older generation, but the young people are taking it in stride.

It sounds like the Fluent design language is coming with a new thrilling vibe. What excites you most about the new release? What emojis would you love to see animated? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.