Ormco Corp, Orange, Calif, announced that its Bethany Hamilton Damon™ Smile Emoji Keyboard won Best Family Mobile Application in the 2017 Internet Advertising Competition, Best of Show Mobile Application and Best Mobile Application in the 2016 MobileWebAwards, and Best Kids Content for Mobile by the 2016 Mobile Excellence Awards (MEAs)—a category in which Ormco beat out apps from Samsung Kids and Fingerprint.
The keyboard app is designed for teens and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment. According to the company, it leverages “the power of mobile messaging apps to enhance the power of self-confidence.”
The Internet Advertising Competition recognizes the best in online advertising; now in its fifth year, the MobileWebAwards program is hosted by the Web Marketing Association and honors the best mobile websites, responsive websites, and mobile apps. The MEAs, which are considered the “Oscars of Mobile,” recognize innovation and leadership in mobile entertainment, lifestyle, and technology.
Releasing the app in 2016, Ormco developed the Bethany Hamilton Damon Smile emoji keyboard so that “people everywhere felt empowered to celebrate and embrace what makes them unique.” Designed in collaboration with Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer and former Damon System braces patient, the keyboard is comprised of 26 emoji that can be shared using popular messaging apps, including iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. From winking smiley faces with braces to getting a thumbs up from Bethany, the Damon Braces-inspired emoji encourage consumers to celebrate their individuality and the positive impact of orthodontic treatment.
To date, more than 5,000 people have used the Bethany Hamilton Damon Smile emoji keyboard. The keyboard can be downloaded for free via the Apple iTunes or Google Play store.