The latest beta version of Telegram is hinting at several new features designed to enhance user interaction and content sharing within the popular messaging app. These upcoming additions, highlighted by the Telegram channel “Durova’s Code,” include a dedicated ‘Suggestion’ chat with channels, a convenient voice message editor, and a choice for sending photos in high definition.
Here’s a closer look at the anticipated features:
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Dedicated ‘Suggestion’ Chat: A new, separate chat interface is expected to be introduced, specifically for communication between users and Telegram channels. This feature, which was initially hinted at in May, will allow users to directly interact with channels. Notably, anonymous channels will also be able to send messages within this dedicated space. Beyond text, users and channels will be able to exchange media files and see the delivery status of their messages. Importantly, channel owners will have the option to make these messages paid, with Telegram reportedly taking a 15% commission on such transactions. This could offer a new avenue for channel monetization and potentially filter interactions.
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Voice Message Trimming: Telegram is set to add a basic editing function for voice messages. Users will soon have the ability to trim the beginning or end of their recordings. The reported method for accessing this feature involves swiping up while recording and then pressing the pause button to finalize the trim. This will provide a quick and easy way to refine voice messages before sending.
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HD Photo Mode as Preview: Users will gain more control over the quality of photos they send. In addition to the standard compressed (SD) option, a new HD mode will be available. Unlike the current method of sending uncompressed images as files, selecting the HD option will send the image as a preview within the chat, similar to how WhatsApp handles high-quality image sharing. This offers a balance between visual fidelity and ease of viewing within the conversation.
Additional Context and Potential Implications:
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‘Suggestion’ Feature Evolution: While the initial report suggests a direct chat, the term ‘Suggestion’ has been used in Telegram in other contexts. For instance, there’s a feature allowing users to suggest profile photos to their contacts. It remains to be seen if the new dedicated chat will also incorporate suggestion-like elements for interacting with channel content or if it will primarily function as a direct messaging space. The ability for channels to potentially charge for messages opens up interesting possibilities for exclusive content, Q&A sessions, or paid support within channels.
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Voice Message Editing Expansion: The initial description points to basic trimming. It’s possible that future iterations of this feature could include more advanced editing capabilities, such as the ability to cut out sections within a recording or adjust the volume. Currently, users often rely on third-party apps if they need more comprehensive voice message editing.
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HD Photo Preview Benefits: Sending HD photos as previews will likely be welcomed by users who want to share higher-quality images without them being buried as files in the chat. This can improve the viewing experience, especially on mobile devices where quickly accessing files can be less convenient. It also aligns Telegram’s functionality more closely with other popular messaging platforms.
These upcoming features suggest Telegram’s continued focus on enhancing communication tools and providing more options for both individual users and channel administrators. The introduction of paid messaging for channels, in particular, could signify a shift towards more monetization opportunities within the platform.