Telegram, one of the hottest private messaging apps, yesterday rolled out new features for its Android app and also the web versions. The update includes a revamped payments system, voice chat scheduling, new apps for your browser and more.
Payment 2.0
Telegram says, “Starting today, merchants can natively accept credit card payments in any chat, relying on 8 integrated third-party payment providers such as Stripe.”
The company is revamping its payment system, expanding from the old payment bots method to allow users make payments during chats. Beyond that, payments are now possible from “any” Telegram app, not just the mobile ones.
The company says this is a free and privacy-conscious platform. It is accepting no commission, and won’t store information that has to do with any payment process. Also, credit card details will be sent directly to the payment provider and shipping information is shared with the merchant so they can send you your goods.
Scheduled Voice Chats
The new update allows the admin of any group or channel to schedule chats for a specific date and time, giving others a heads up of when he or she plans to go Live.
To tune into or participate in a Voice Chat, there’s a countdown in the chat room that tells you when the Voice Chat will go Live. Another way is to opt-in to get notified by the App for when that chat will go Live.
An admin can schedule a Voice Chat from his or her Group or Channel’s profile page.
On Android, tap ⋮ > Start Voice chat > Schedule Voice Chat.
On iOS, tap the Voice Chat button and select Schedule Voice Chat.
“Don’t worry, the chat won’t start automatically when the countdown reaches zero – only when an admin presses the Start Now button,” the company advises.
Meanwhile, Telegram is working on new ways to use its app, particularly for Android users. For web versions, the company has been able to develop two different prototypes for an updated web app, that is, the Telegram Web K and Telegram Web Z. Both support dark mode. You can also test the recent updates shared above in the Android app.
Telegram now offers a direct APK download of the app, citing delays in getting updates approved by the Google Play Store.
