Telegram adds scheduled voice chats, new web apps and more in latest update

Telegram has also launched a direct download option for Android users. Here's everything new on Telegram.

The Telegram logo is seen on a screen of a smartphone in this picture illustration taken April 13, 2018. REUTERS/Ilya Naymushin (REUTERS)

Telegram has announced a new update that brings a bunch of new features. These include ‘Payments 2.0', scheduling voice chats, mini profiles for voice chats, new web versions and more. Telegram has detailed all the new features coming to the messaging app in a blog.

Starting with Payments 2.0, this update brings native support for credit card payments in any chat. It has added eight third-party payment providers such as Stripe. This update also lets buyers add a tip whenever they make a purchase on Telegram. Payments can also be made from any Telegram app including desktop.

Voice chats can now be scheduled by admins of groups and channels. Telegram will display a colourful countdown for the scheduled voice chat, and users can also opt to receive a notification when the voice chat starts. Telegram is also making it easier to see who you're voice chatting with through mini profiles. This update lets you expand profile pictures and bios without leaving the voice chat window.

Telegram has added two new web apps with features such as animated stickers, dark mode, chat folders and more. Telegram Web K and Web Z apps are just 400KB in size, and work as standalone apps. More features include pinch to zoom to expand photos and videos directly from the chat, and an improved video player. You can now press and hold the + or - 15s buttons to fast-forward and rewind iOS. On Android, you can press and hold on the right or left side of the screen to do the same, and double-tap to jump 10 seconds in either direction.

Telegram has also launched a direct download option for Android users. The app can now be downloaded from telegram.org, and users will also get new versions several days or weeks faster. The reason behind this is due to Google taking longer review times for app updates, Telegram said in its blog.