Japanese video game maker Sega is rebooting the pager for today’s kids, but with a twist. Slated for launch in December 2024, Emojam is a WiFi-enabled messaging device that lets users chat with registered friends exclusively in emojis. It offers over 1,100 original emojis, with an Emoji Lab feature that can combine two emojis into a new one. Each message can contain a string of up to ten emojis, and the device supports one-on-one messaging as well as group chats for up to five participants.
To ensure a safe experience for kids, the product’s friend registration system requires two devices to physically touch before users can start chatting. This prevents strangers from being able to contact younger users, bypassing a major risk on most social platforms. Sega also hopes emoji-only conversations will limit kids’ exposure to harmful or hurtful speech. Emojam is priced at JPY 7,150 (USD 45), and Sega might launch the product internationally if it takes off in Japan.
Over half (54%) of parents across the UK, US, India, Germany and Australia regret giving smartphones to their children. Those seeking a healthier relationship with technology regularly turn to dumb devices, both for themselves and their loved ones. By stripping Emojam to one core functionality, Sega allows kids to sidestep the downsides of social media without disconnecting from their friends. Additionally, its text-free interface makes for a fun and creative way to communicate — one that’s second nature for an emoji-native generation.