Telegram Encrypted Messenger Gains Video Support, Bot Payments, and More

Encrypted messaging platform Telegram received a significant update today, bringing video messaging, bot payments, and other new features to the chat app.

In version 4.0 of Telegram, users can activate video messaging with a tap of the mic icon to switch to camera mode, or tap and hold the icon to record a quick video clip. Swiping up while recording enables handsfree mode, which works with voice notes too. Users can also stop and replay the clip before sending.

In addition, chat bots can now accept payments, with the developers saying that users will soon be able to order pizza, shop for clothes, and potentially pay their utility bills using Telegram bots.

Also included in the update is a new Instant View feature, which is similar to Google's AMP platform. Essentially it enables users to view articles directly from within the Telegram app, and comes with the added ability to create article previews using the Instant View Editor.

Lastly, Telegram has also announced a new service called Telesco.pe that lets anyone watch video messages from public Telegram channels.

Telegram is a free download for iPhone and iPad from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Tag: Telegram

Top Rated Comments

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macintoshmac

40 months ago

Downloaded, no contacts have it, deleted...

Good for you. I have a couple, and use Telegram and enjoy it far more than the ubiquitous WhatsApp. Blazing fast, almost realtime sync. And a first rate Mac app. (which is what I use daily)

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

JosephAW

Hello Telegram, goodbye WhatsApp. Is that good timing or what? :)

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

RamGuy

Telegram is great. It lack's integration and fallback to SMS and MMS like every other messaging-app besides iMessage so you would have to convince all your contacts to adopt Telegram. But the app itself is great, the end-to-end encryption is great, their app is great, it has great features like stickers, gifs and whatnot and they have great apps for ALL platforms including all desktop operatingsystems like Windows, macOS and even a web-app when you can't install the software.

I do love iMessage and use it every day. And I bet Telegram would not integrate with SMS and MMS if they had the option due to there being zero encryption when using SMS and MMS protocols, and Telegram is all about privacy and encryption. But if I was able to get everyone I know to use Telegram, I would stop using iMessage in a heartbeat.

Sasparilla

Its good to keep in mind, Telegram has been shown to have serious security flaws....so don't expect Signal, iMessage (encrypted) or WhatsApp level security with it. Otherwise enjoy (most folks don't really care, but wanted to post this for those that do or are in a country with a Govt where that might be important).

http://gizmodo.com/why-you-should-stop-using-telegram-right-now-1782557415

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

iosiseasy

I don't need encryption for the most part. I would rather have convenience. I'm happy my info isn't going to google or Facebook. And I love the cloud holds all my convos and media. I have dug into the API and even built a bot to send out notifications if an elevator is down in the condo.

The only thing it is missing right now is Live Photo support.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)