Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling a client device to display interactive animated images are disclosed. A client device sends a query including a unique identifier to a server system. A response to the query includes first and second addresses specifying where respective first and second animated image files associated with the unique identifier are stored. The client device downloads first and second image files using the first and second addresses. The client device displays sequentially a first plurality of frames of the first animated image file downloaded using the first address. In response to detecting a user interacting with a user interface of the client device in a predetermined manner (e.g., tapping a screen) while the first plurality of frames are being displayed, the client device transitions to displaying a second plurality of frames of the second animated image file downloaded using the second address.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein enable a user of a client device to interact with an animated image. A client device obtains first and second animated image files associated with one another. The client device displays sequentially in a loop, via a display thereof, frames of the first animated image file to provide for a first illusion of motion. While any one of the frames of the first animated image file is being displayed in the loop, the client device detects a user selecting a location on the display within a region of the display where the frames of the first animated image file are being displayed sequentially in the loop, and in response thereto, transitions to displaying frames of the second animated image file, and thereby transitions from providing the first illusion of motion to providing a second illusion of motion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology enable messages including one or more custom characters (and potentially also one or more standard characters) to be communicated between client devices, wherein each of the custom characters includes at least one tag word that enables a meaning of the custom character to be better understood, and wherein such tag words can be translated from one language to another to enable users that understand different languages to better be able to communicate with one another using the custom characters. Beneficially, embodiments described herein overcome many of the drawbacks associated with electronic messages being limited to including only standard characters, such as standard emoji. Embodiments described herein also enable users that speak different languages to more easily and readily communicate with one another using a messaging application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology enable messages including one or more custom characters (and potentially also one or more standard characters) to be communicated between client devices, wherein each of the custom characters includes at least one tag word that enables a meaning of the custom character to be better understood, and wherein such tag words can be translated from one language to another to enable users that understand different languages to better be able to communicate with one another using the custom characters. Beneficially, embodiments described herein overcome many of the drawbacks associated with electronic messages being limited to including only standard characters, such as standard emoji. Embodiments described herein also enable users that speak different languages to more easily and readily communicate with one another using a messaging application.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology enable messages including both standard and custom characters to be communicated between client devices. Each of the standard character(s) is included within a Unicode Standard that is supported by an operating system of a client device. By contrast, each of the custom character(s) is not included within the Unicode Standard. Such embodiments enable users to create their own custom characters, such as custom emoji, or utilize custom characters created others. Beneficially, embodiments described herein overcome many of the drawbacks associated with electronic messages being limited to including only standard characters, such as standard emoji.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable messaging using custom characters (e.g., custom emoji) that are not part of a Unicode Standard, as well as associating such custom characters with embedded content. The embedded content can be, for example, a quick response (QR) code, a coupon, an advertisement, a map, a static image, a moving image, a video, audio, or combinations thereof. A client device receives message data including a unique custom character reference. The client device obtains (e.g., from a remote server) image data and embedded data for the custom character associated with the unique custom character reference. The client device uses the image data to display the custom character associated with the unique custom character reference. The client device displays embedded content associated with the custom character, in response to accepting an indication that a user of the client device has selected the displayed custom character.