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Yep, an emoji is Oxford's word of the year. Surprised? Don't be

Crying with laughter over the word that isn't a word? Emojis have taken over conversations on social media, with Twitter and Facebook testing new emoji responses. Also, Pandora plans to join in the on-demand music trend, and Zune is gone for good.

Bridget Carey Principal Video Producer

Bridget Carey is an award-winning reporter who helps you level-up your life -- while having a good time geeking out. Her exclusive CNET videos get you behind the scenes as she covers new trends, experiences and quirky gadgets. Her weekly video show, "One More Thing," explores what's new in the world of Apple and what's to come. She started as a reporter at The Miami Herald with syndicated newspaper columns for product reviews and social media advice. Now she's a mom who also stays on top of toy industry trends and robots. (Kids love robots.)

Expertise Consumer technology, Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, social media, mobile, robots, future tech, immersive technology, toys, culture Credentials

Bridget has spent over 18 years as a consumer tech reporter, hosting daily tech news shows and writing syndicated newspaper columns. She's often a guest on national radio and television stations, including ABC, CBS, CNBC and NBC.

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Bridget Carey

Nov. 17, 2015 2:08 p.m. PT

Use your words, people.

Oxford Dictionary has declared the "face with tears of joy" emoji as the 2015 word of the year... even though an emoji is not a word. Shall we weep for the future of language? No. Emojis themselves are not complex enough to be a language. Rather, these icons have become a new way to express tone over text communication when you can't read someone's body language or the inflection in a voice. Watch CNET Update to understand why this symbol for LOL has become a major part of 2015:

Watch this: An emoji is Oxford's word of the year, but don't be surprised

02:57

Meanwhile, Twitter is experimenting with using this and other emoji icons as reactions to tweets. The streaming music world is also going through changes. Pandora is buying Rdio and plans to add on-demand options, Apple shuts down Beats Music, and Microsoft says goodbye to Zune for good.

CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps, and what's ahead. Subscribe to the podcast via the links below.

Yep, an emoji is Oxford's word of the year. Surprised? Don't be

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