Telegram Messenger, commonly known as Telegram is upping their game in the social network space by rolling out new updates and features to improve their service provision. Being a cloud-based and cross-platform instant messaging (IM) service, it was originally launched for iOS on 14 August 2013 and for Android in October 2013. Telegram allows users to exchange messages, share media and files, hold private and group voice or video calls, as well as public livestreams. Since its roll-out, Telegram has improved its availability and now it is available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers.
These updates comes as all social media platforms are trying to outdo each other to be the best in the market. These new updates includes the one that allows channels to now set wallpapers and enables users to repost channel messages to their stories. It has also introduced a Thanos Snap Effect, a vaporize animation effect for messages.
1. New animations to Telegram calls.
Telegram announced that it has redesigned the calls by adding new animations and backgrounds that change dynamically based on the call’s status, i.e. ringing, active or ended. This new interface requires fewer resources than before, which means it saves battery life and works better on older devices. The update also brings improvements to call quality. Telegram says it plans to launch more improvements to connection and audio quality in the course of 2024.
2. Thanos Snap Effect.
Telegram is bringing its vaporize animation to both iOS and Android users after previously testing it with select users. The new effect plays whenever you delete a message, and is designed to bring a bit of fun to the app.
3. Customize channel appearance.
The channel users can now customize their appearance, including colors and logos for the profile cover. The users can also set an emoji status and a wallpaper visible to all those who open the channel.
4. Share your posts in Stories.
Now you can repost messages from channels to your stories. It basically adds a copy of the message that can be moved, resized and decorated. Reposts support photos, files and even voice or video messages. Soon, reposts to the stories will get more features like interactive polls. To repost a message, just tap the Share Arrow next to the message and then tap on ‘Repost to Story’.
5. Premium gifts.
The users can gift Telegram Premium to multiple people at once. There is a ‘Gift Premium’ section in the Settings menu. At least 10 users can be selected and gifted Telegram Premium at a go.
6. Custom Prizes.
Telegram pertains to channels hosting giveaways, allowing them to set a longer duration and specify additional prizes. The giveaway hosts can also toggle ‘Show Winners’ to announce the contests that won.
7. View Reposts.
Users can clearly see who watched their story and how they reacted. The channel will also get statistics to track how their stories performed. The channel admins and view the reactions to their stories and also see who reposted them.
8. Photo Cutouts.
As per this update, the photos from your smartphone galleries can be placed on the top of stories, and you can also remove the background from the images of your pets.
9. Reactions to bots.
Telegram announced that it had enabled bots to react to the messages and manage reactions, quotes and links. They can also send replies to other chats or topics.