Cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging app Telegram has today received a major update. The update brings Payments 2.0 for all Telegram chats, Scheduling and Mini Profiles for Voice Chats, new Telegram apps for your browser, and more.
Payments 2.0
Telegram first added support for payments back in 2017 allowing users to securely pay for goods and services without leaving the app via payment bots, now, merchants can natively accept credit card payments in any chat, relying on these 8 integrated third-party payment providers.
Telegram says this is a free and privacy-conscious platform adding they take no commission, and stores no payment information.
Any merchant can start using the Payments API without getting additional approvals from Telegram. Developers interested in integrating payments can find all the details in the Payments Manual.
Scheduled Voice Chats
Telegram has also recently introduced Voice Chats, now, group and channel admins can schedule a Voice Chat for a particular date and time instead of creating one right away. This gives community members time to let their friends know and get the popcorn ready.
“Users will see a colorful countdown at the top of the chat. Those too busy to watch the countdown can opt to receive a notification when the voice chat starts.” Telegram says in a blog post.
Like other Telegram apps, the web apps are standalone: once you’ve logged in, you do not need to keep your phone nearby or connected to the internet
Photos and videos can now be expanded directly from the chat – simply pinch to zoom in right away, without tapping to open the media viewer.
