Popular messaging platform Telegram has released a substantial update packed with new features, including redesigned voice and video calls, fun effects like the “Thanos snap”, and major upgrades to bots.
Redesigned Calls Claim Improved Quality and Battery Life
As per multiple sources like TechCrunch and 9to5Google, Telegram’s 10.5.0 update brings a complete visual overhaul of the calling interface on iOS and Android. The call screen has been redesigned with fluid animations and a colorful wave-like appearance.
Telegram claims the new call architecture is “more efficient”, improving sound quality while using less battery power. The company says it achieves this through upgraded noise suppression, better audio encoding and faster connectivity.
Independent tests remain to be seen, but if Telegram has indeed managed to reduce battery drain during calls without compromising on quality, it could give them an edge over rival apps like WhatsApp or Signal.
“Thanos Snap” Effect Lets You Dramatically Delete Messages
Adding to Telegram’s existing selection of animated effects is the new “Thanos Snap”, named after the famous finger snap by Marvel supervillain Thanos. When enabled in settings, deleting messages will make them disappear into dust, like the iconic scene in Avengers: Infinity War.
The Thanos effect joins other playful deletion animations already available like fireworks and celebratory confetti. It’s a purely cosmetic upgrade, but one that taps into pop culture to entertain Telegram’s growing Gen Z userbase.
Major Upgrades Coming to Telegram Bots
Arguably the most substantial part of Telegram’s latest update is a planned “epic overhaul” of bots on the platform. Bots are automated accounts that can provide various services to users via conversation.
As announced on Telegram’s official channel, upcoming bot changes will include:
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Content Sharing: Bots will be able enable users to share content from the bot by generating invites and links. This could allow bot creators to go viral.
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Subscription Improvements: Bots will be able make better use of subscription services with more options.
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Payment Options: Bots will expand their payment capabilities with more robust tools.
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Live Locations: Bots will be able to access user live locations when permitted, enabling location-based services.
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Deep Linking: An updated deep linking mechanism will let bot creators showcase specific parts of their service easily.
These bot upgrades have the potential to greatly increase the utility of Telegram bots, allowing them to compete with or even surpass WhatsApp Business Accounts. It could see a new wave of innovative bots that can serve as digital assistants, advisors, service providers or stores.
Background Leading Up to Update
Telegram has skyrocketed in popularity over the past 2 years, for reasons ranging from Elon Musk’s endorsement to users seeking alternatives following WhatsApp’s controversial 2021 privacy policy update. The platform has capitalized on this momentum by rolling out a constant stream of new features.
Recent major Telegram updates and stats:
| Month | Update Summary | Telegram MAUs* |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2023 | Polls 2.0, better groups | 750 million |
| Oct 2022 | Video messages, improved People Nearby | 700 million |
| Apr 2022 | Groups with unlimited members, improved stickers | 500 million |
*MAUs = Monthly Active Users
The ever-growing userbase increases demand for Telegram to keep outpacing rivals in innovation – no easy task considering WhatsApp’s resources under Meta. The redesign and upgrades in 10.5.0 seem crafted specifically to set Telegram apart.
With Telegram passing 750 million MAUs as per their latest announcement, the company appears to be stepping up ambitions to hit the mainstream in 2024. Major bot upgrades could support more complex services to court business users. The redesigned call interface strives to perfect what is for many the key functionality of a messaging app. And fun touches like the Thanos effect retain Telegram’s identity when compared to the relatively sterile WhatsApp.
What Happens Next?
If user and development response is positive, the bot and call upgrades could become pillars of Telegram’s strategy going forward.
The company seems to be ramping investment to scale infrastructure for over a billion users in near future. Features like Thanos snap show Telegram will continue expanding the creative side of messaging alongside utility.
With no signs of slowing down in 2024, Telegram aims to lead the instant messaging space when it comes to both innovation and user numbers. Rivals like WhatsApp and Signal will need to counter with their own substantial upgrades to stop Telegram generating all the headlines in the red hot messaging platform wars.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
