Encrypted messaging app Telegram has made a name for itself due to the security features that are provided with the platform.
But not just limited to that, it seems that the company is also wanting a mainstream strategythat many others have done.
Previously, Telegram users have only been able to send text-based "secret chats" that self destruct. But starting version 4.2, users can share both photos and videos with the same ephemeral manner. Sounds familiar? Yes, that is one of Snapchat's core feature that has been blatantly copied by Facebook, Instagram and even WhatsApp.
For the time it takes for the media to disappear depends on how long users set the timer for.
The timers are set using the clock icon in the media picker and can be anything between one second to one minute long. The countdown starts the moment the recipient opens the photo or video that has been sent, and the sender is notified if the recipient tries to take a screenshot of the disappearing media.
With Telegram v4.2 update, the company also said that users are able to edit their photos quicker and in fewer steps than earlier. Users will be able to enlarge the scrolling area while searching for emoticons.
There is also a speed booster for media downloads from large public channels. Made possible with Telegram's encrypted content delivery network, the CDN (distributed network) allows the company to cache publicly available photos and videos posted in massive channels (100,000+ members). This will effectively result in higher download speeds for the users.
Users can also add a bio to their profile in settings, so people in chat groups can know who they are.
The app's strategy, is Telegram's way to improve privacy. After troubles in Russia, governments like Indonesia has banned Telegram because the app is believed to be a safe haven for terrorists and extremists to spread their ideas and plot attacks.
The update for iOS and Android is available on both App Store and Google Play respectively.