You already talk like a Canadian, and now you can text like one. Just in time for a Muskoka-chair-lounging-backyard-barbecuing-firework-watching Canada Day, Tim Hortons is introducing a uniquely Canadian EHmoji keyboard so we can all share our national pride, one text at a time. The initial keyboard features 12 quintessential Canadian images – yes, "Eh" is one of them – and is available for free download in the App Store at bit.ly/THKBiOS.
"As Canadians, we have a unique way of expressing ourselves, whether it's our distinct cultural sayings or the activities that drive our passions from coast to coast," says Peter Nowlan, Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Hortons. "We set out to create a set of emojis that personified our great country by capturing some of the things that make us unique and are recognized around the world, starting with the name of the keyboard itself, EHmojis – that says it all."
The popularity and usage of emojis continues to rise. According to eMarketer.com, the use of visual communication in messaging is growing rapidly with 48.9% of U.S. adult internet users using emojis on social media or in text messages.
Now, an all-Canadian EHmoji custom keyboard, developed by Snaps, will give Canadians the option to text with 12 uniquely Canadian images, including the maple leaf, barbeque, beaver, Muskoka chair, heart-shaped flag, moose, toque, fireworks, Inukshuk, "Eh" in English, "Tsé" in French, and Tim Hortons coffee cup. But, that's just the beginning. To celebrate Canada Day, the brand is asking Canadians to suggest what else should be included on the keyboard, and the most popular ones will be added starting July 1 and continuing in the weeks following Canada Day.
"This is Canada's EHmoji keyboard, so we want Canadians to tell us what should be included using the hashtag #TextLikeaCanadian and we'll add the most requested ones to our keyboard," says Nowlan. "Until now, emojis that symbolized being Canadian were almost non-existent. We wanted to have some fun, and show our national pride and appreciation for our diverse and uniquely incredible country. We want to wish everyone a Happy Canada Day and encourage people to add a little extra Canadian pride when they text."
