Popular privacy-focused messaging app Telegram has been updated in the Microsoft Store to version 1.5.
The update brings along a number of usability features for those in a hurry, including the ability to review pictures sent in a channel more rapidly and to listen to voicemails at double speed.
The full changelog reads:
Support for custom languages. Crowdsource a cloud-based language pack for Telegram in any language using our Translations platform – then apply it in real time.
Interface scaling for large screens, up to 300% (up to 150% for macOS retina screens).
‘Count unread messages’ setting for the Badge counter in Settings > Notifications. Disable to show number of unread chats.
Video messages displayed in shared media (under voice messages).
Updated emoji. Farewell to question marks!
Listen to voice and video messages in 2X mode if you’re in a hurry.
Add a comment when sharing posts from channels.
View all photos and videos in Twitter and Instagram link previews.
Add emoji to media captions.
Way before WhatsApp Web came onto the market, Telegram already offered a desktop version of its security-focused messaging app. It may be light on features compared to the likes of Skype, but it’s still years ahead of WhatsApp, which is still yet to release a desktop client (as its founders like to point out). Telegram for Desktop is also available for Mac.
Send Telegrams from any device
To start using Telegram for Desktop you must already have signed up for an account on the Android, iOS, or Windows Phone app. Once you’ve verified your details via a mobile app you’re ready to start chatting.
The app allows you to easily message your mobile contacts, send an unlimited number of audio and video files (in batches if you chose), as well as insert emoticons and stickers of famous world leaders including Gandhi. Telegram for Desktop also integrates well with other social networking services (such as YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter), showing previews of any content you have shared in the app, as well as making any Instagram or Twitter mentions in these previews clickable. However, voice and video calls are currently not available.
While your phone contacts are automatically synced to the desktop version, you can also search for additional people via their usernames. Notification settings can also be edited for each individual contact – so you can effectively mute friends if they’re sending you too many messages!
One of the strengths of Telegram is its group chat feature. Unlike other messaging apps, Telegram can have more than one administrator. Administrators can change the photo and name of the group, as well as add or delete members. The service also allows you to create groups of up to 1,000 people!