Telegram has introduced a major update featuring a new in-app browser with multi-tab support, a Mini App Store, and a fresh category of mini apps. The update also includes the option to gift Stars to friends and several other enhancements. The new features are:
Telegram Browser
The new in-app browser supports multiple tabs, allowing users to switch easily between messages, websites, articles, and mini apps. It supports decentralized websites hosted on TON, making Web3 accessible to Telegram’s nearly one billion monthly users.
Users can now collapse and reopen pages from the bottom bar, add bookmarks, and continue from where they left off after checking notifications.
Mini App Store
Telegram said that with over 500 million of its 950 million users engaging with mini apps monthly, the update introduces a new ‘Apps’ tab in Search.
This tab displays frequently used and popular mini apps, and developers can now upload video demos and screenshots for previews.
Sharing from Mini Apps to Stories
Mini apps can now generate content for Telegram Stories, such as AI-generated videos or snapshots of leaderboards. This feature helps users share app achievements and promotes mini apps within their contacts.
Gifting Stars to Friends
You can now purchase and gift Telegram Stars to friends. Stars can be used for digital goods in mini apps or paid content in channels. Birthday celebrants will be highlighted at the top of the list, and gifted stars will appear as animated gift boxes in chats.
Flash for Video Messages
The new update allows users to use the front flash for brighter video messages in low light. Press and hold the camera icon to record, swipe up to continue recording, and tap the flash icon to activate.
Weather Widget in Stories
Users can now add an animated weather widget to their stories, which automatically adjusts between Celsius and Fahrenheit based on the viewer’s device settings.
The widget also shows the moon phase on clear nights. Additional options include adding music, links, or location from the ‘Stickers’ section.
Story Covers
Users can choose a cover photo frame for their video stories when posting them to their profile.
Browser and Mini App Tabs on macOS
The updated Telegram browser for macOS now supports tabs for games, mini apps, instant view pages, and Web3 sites.
Availability
The update is available on Android (via Google Play or Telegram’s website) and iOS (App Store), with Android reaching version 10.15.0 or later.