Telegram update introduces Group topics, collectible usernames, and more

Telegram has released a new update that brings new features and improvements for its users. The update includes topics in groups, collectible usernames, new emoji packs, design improvements, and more. However, some features are only available to Telegram Premium subscribers. The updated Telegram app with new features is now rolling out to Android and iOS users globally.

Telegram supports larger groups with over hundreds of thousands of members. Now, groups that consist of over 200 members can create topics and separate spaces for any subject. According to the company, Topics work similarly to individual chats within the group. It has its own shared media and notification settings. Members can chat on any topic and pin messages, use bots, or create polls. Group admin can enable or disable topics via group Settings and control who can create and manage topics in Permissions.

With the latest update, Telegram has also introduced collectible usernames. Apart from the one basic username, users can create multiple collectible usernames that can be assigned to each of their accounts and public chats. The collectible usernames are secured by a blockchain network TON. Further, users can also buy or sell collectible usernames.

“Collectible usernames work just like basic @usernames, they appear in Global Search results and have their own links that can be used outside of Telegram: username.t.me and t.me/username. Unlike basic usernames, collectible usernames can be less than 5 characters long – making it possible to get unique names like @news or @game,” the company explained in a blog post.

Telegram already allows its premium subscribers to convert any voice messages to text transcripts. But with this update, the company has added an ability to get an instant text transcript of the video messages. This feature is only available to Telegram Premium users. Telegram also is introducing 12 new emoji packs, and Premium members can use them on messages and captions or set them as statuses.

Additionally, the company has updated the dark theme for users on iOS. It now comes with more balanced and better blurring effects. On Android devices, users increase the size of all chat text, including link previews and reply headers. Telegram has also added a new animation effect when a user swipe left to reply and tapping on a user’s phone number will display a new menu with several call options. Lastly, Telegram has added four new interactive emojis that play full-screen effects in individual chats. They can also be used as reactions.