Best New Features in Telegram Bulk Update
A significant new version of Telegram is now rolling out to all platforms. The update includes new shopping features for buyers and sellers, updated voice chat tools for groups, new gesture controls on mobile devices, and more.
There is a lot to tell, but before we get into major feature updates, we must first talk about the new Telegram web clients.
New Telegram web applications
Yes, you read that right: web clients. In fact, two are Telegram Web K and Web Z. Both versions are standalone Telegram web apps that run on mobile and desktop and take up less than 400MB on your device. Unlike web clients from other chat apps, Telegram Web K and Z allows you to stay logged in without having to keep your phone synced and nearby.
In our brief hands-on experience, the two web application versions really differ only in visual design: the K version has a slightly wider chat screen, its menus are slightly more compact, and its icons have a more three-dimensional “button” design; while the Z version icons are flatter and the color palette is more desaturated compared to them. Timestamp formats also differ in some cases: version Z displays older messages as “November 30, 2020”, and version K follows the format “November 30, 2020”.
The rest of the apps are identical. Their user interface / navigation is the same and they support the same functionality. Either version lets you play with Telegram’s “animated stickers, dark mode, chat folders” and new in-app payment methods (more on that in a minute).
New Telegram web applications are available now: Web K or Web Z , choose poison.
What’s new in Telegram “Payments 2.0”
First, Telegram’s money transfer tools have been redesigned to be more useful for companies that sell goods via Telegram. Telegram calls this update Payments 2.0.
The app now supports eight more third-party payment methods: Stripe, Payme, Click, Yandex.Money, LiqPay, Ecommpay, Sberbank and Tranzzo. (The app also supports Google Pay and Apple Pay.)
The new payment tools can be used in any chat, and there is a new tip option during checkout so that shoppers can add additional tips to their orders.
Telegram does not charge fees for in-app transactions and does not process payments on its own. Instead, it relies on various payment providers around the world to process and store your sensitive information. Neither Telegram nor the bot developers can access payment information.
The new 2.0 payment options are available in Telegram version 7.7 for mobile, version 2.7.2 for desktops, and in recently launched web clients. The company has launched a demo channel where you can try out new features on imaginary products that you don’t actually pay for. Sellers who want to sell their wares on Telegram should visit the Bot Payments support page to get started.
Scheduling Voice Chats on Telegram
Telegram also recently launched its own version of Clubhouse-style audio chats. This feature allows Telegram group administrators to host live chats that all members of the group can listen to.
Initially, voice chats could only be started manually, but starting with version 7.7 on iOS and Android, administrators can now set up voice chats to start on a specific date and time, which should make it easier to schedule and advertise these conversations in real time.
Here’s how to schedule a Telegram voice chat:
On iOS
- Open your group or channel page.
- Click Voice Chat.
- Select Schedule Voice Chat.
- Use the watch faces to set the airtime for your voice chat, then tap Schedule Voice Chat to save your choice.
On Android
- Go to your channel or group page.
- Press the three-dot menu button.
- Select Start Voice Chat, then Schedule Voice Chat.
- Use the menu to select the date and time to start the chat.
- Click Schedule Voice Chat to save.
Large countdown timers for any upcoming voice chats appear at the top of the group page or channel. Group members can tap on the timer and then toggle ‘set reminder’ to be notified when the broadcast starts.
Telegram apps have new gesture controls and appearance
Telegram 7.7 also includes several minor updates for Android and iOS users, including:
- Voice Chat Profile Controls: Mobile users can now tap another user to view their profile picture and bio during voice chat. You can also click on your profile to edit information without leaving the voice chat.
- Pinching your fingers to zoom in on the image: You can now zoom in on photos in chat mode by pinching your fingers instead of opening the image in media view.
- Time-shifting video player : While watching a video, double-tap the left side of the screen to rewind 10 seconds, or double-tap the right side to fast forward 10 seconds (you can also press and hold to skip time).
- New animations on Android: Android users will notice new, smoother interface animations when using the app.
Telegram version 7.7 is already available on the Apple App Store for iOS , and the Android version will be available on Google Play in the coming days – Telegram reports that the Android update has been slightly delayed due to problems from Google. However, if you don’t want to wait, Android users can download version 7.7 directly from the Telegram website and download it to their devices instead.
[ Android Police ]