Baidu Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Feng Jiang) announces the launch of the AI voice input feature for its customizable emoji keyboard app 'Simeji' (iOS/Android) on its 18th anniversary. Starting today, June 29, 2026 (Mon), the new PC version, 'Simeji PC,' is now available. Under the concept of 'Simeji for everyone, from children to adults,' Simeji aims to evolve beyond being just a 'keyboard app.' In today's world where social media is widespread and text-based communication is the norm, Simeji is transforming into a 'communication support tool' that transcends the boundaries of smartphones. To commemorate the launch, a special campaign offering up to three months of free access to Pro features begins today. ■ From 18 Years of Evolution: Transitioning from a 'Keyboard' to a 'Communication Support Tool' Since its launch in 2006, Simeji has continuously refined the Japanese input experience and grown into a keyboard app beloved by Gen Z, with over 75 million cumulative downloads to date. Valued by users for its extensive customization options that reflect personal tastes, more than 500,000 kaomoji (Japanese emoticons), emojis, and ASCII art (AA), and cloud-based conversion that covers Japanese-specific trending terms and artist names, Simeji has become a cornerstone of youth culture and communication in Japan. Marking its 18th anniversary on November 18, 2026—a milestone equivalent to adulthood in Japan—Simeji, which has long supported high school and university students, now aims to evolve into a 'communication support tool' that addresses communication needs across all age groups, from children to adults. As its first step, Simeji launches 'Simeji PC,' extending its 18 years of expertise in Japanese input from mobile to desktop environments, and revolutionizing the input experience by ushering in the era of 'typing by voice.' While manual input remains dominant in Japan, voice input and voice messaging are increasingly popular o