Telegram Update With Auto-Delete, Widgets, Expiring Invite Links, And More

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WhatsApp made a serious mistake when it started asking (forcing) users to accept its updated privacy policy.

When the Facebook-owned messaging app started showing pop-up notice, suggesting that it wants to share more data with Facebook, mass exodus started to happen.

When WhatsApp tried to explain itself, to say that people are receiving the context all wrong, there is nothing that can stop WhatsApp users from using alternatives.

And one of the most popular alternatives, is Telegram.

In order to embrace those wandering WhatsApp users, Telegram started to go full throttle in order to welcome those people.

After starting to allow users to import chats from other apps, Telegram announces more updates to its secure messaging app.

In a blog post, Telegram said that it is introducing auto-delete timer for messages in any chat, a flexible invite links, faster access to chats with home screen widgets, an update to group so they can have unlimited members, and more.

First off, is the auto-delete timer that applies to all chats in Telegram.

Through this feature, messages are automatically erased for all participants after either 24 hours or seven days.

To enable this feature, users just need to press and hold a message, tap 'Select' to choose 'Clear Chat' on the top left, and then tap on the 'Enable Auto-Delete'.

"Auto-delete only applies to messages sent after the timer is set, earlier messages will stay in the chat history. Unlike in Secret Chats, the countdown starts when messages are sent, not read," wrote Telegram.

Next, is the widget for the home screen.

The Telegram widget allows users to see previews of recent messages, while a smaller widget allows users to see names and profile pictures of Telegram friends that they've recently chatted with.

"For instant access to your most important chats, add a Telegram widget to your home screen. The Chat Widget shows a preview of recent messages, while the Shortcut Widget shows only names and profile pictures," explained Telegram.

Up next, is the expiring invite links feature.

Telegram users can create and send invite links, as a way to bring more people to their groups and channels. With an update, along with the main invite link, owners and admins can also create additional links with a limited duration, number of uses, or both.

"Any invite link can be converted into a scannable QR Code to put on everything from brochures to billboards. You can also see which users joined using each invite link to find out where new members came from or which format has been most effective for growth," explained Telegram.

After that, Telegram has also updated group chats, so they can finally have unlimited members.

Previously, Telegram groups allowed up to 200,000 members to exchange messages, media and stickers. With an update, groups that are close to that limit can convert into 'Broadcast Groups' that allow unlimited members.

"Converting to a Broadcast Group makes it so that only admins can send messages, but members can still join voice chats," Telegram explained.

"Broadcast Groups are ideal for large communities, where people can follow along and catch exclusive interviews, news, or just casual talks."

Lesser updates include improved chat experience.

For example, Telegram has tweaked imported messages to appear sorted by their original date, if added to a Telegram chat is new or has fewer than 1,000 messages.

Then there is an improved reporting system

To make sure that the platform is safe for everybody, Telegram users can report individual messages when sending a report. Telegram cleverly made an example on how to report 'WhoseApp' account from 'Facespook' as a fake account.

"Additionally, all reporting options allow you to add a comment to give more context – like when reporting fake accounts," added Telegram.

And lastly, Telegram also adds more animations and characters to its emoji list.

Published: 
01/03/2021