Unicode 17 has been released, with new characters and code charts, updated data files, an updated Core Specification, and updated annexes and synchronized standards that cover implementation details for important aspects of text processing.  

The Unicode Standard is used by all modern software and communications around the world, including operating systems, browsers, laptops, and smart phones, as well as the Web. The Unicode Standard, its associated standards, and data form the foundation for CLDR and ICU releases.

This version adds 4,803 new characters, including four new scripts, eight new emoji characters, as well as many other characters and symbols. The new symbols include one for the Saudi Riyal. This will allow interoperable support for the new symbol announced earlier this year by the Saudi Central Bank to represent their Riyal currency.

The latest additional four scripts bring the total number of supported scripts in the Unicode Standard to 172. The latest batch consists of Beria Erfe,  a modern-use script used by Zaghawa communities in central Africa; Tolong Siki, a modern-use script used by Kurukh communities in northeast India; Tai Yo,  the traditional script of Tai Yo communities in northern Vietnam; and Sidetic, an historic script used in ancient Anatolia. The Unicode team says support for these in Unicode is the key initial step in bridging the digital divide for users of these scripts. Presumably that mainly concerns the first three, as there probably aren't that many speakers of Sidetic. 

As we wrote back in July on World Emoji Day, Unicode 17 includes the usual collection of emojis that baffle and amuse, starting with Bigfoot, and including Orcas, treasure chests and apple cores.  

The blog post from the Unicode Consortium announcing the additions said:

"These new emoji have long standing symbolic meanings, are visually distinctive, and contain multitudes of expression."

We still haven't really worked out in the office what expression falling rocks or orcas contain, but it's true that they're certainly visually distinctive. 

Unicode 17 is available now.

More Information

Unicode Consortium

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