Video Transcription
One of the most anticipated features of this update is the new video transcription utility, which can be used for incoming video messages. Users can simply tap a new “→A” present at the bottom of the video, which will start generating a full written transcript of the video content for you to read and store. This is not the first time Telegram has revealed such a feature, as they already have a voice message transcription feature available to Telegram Premium users. Unfortunately, just like that, this new feature too is locked behind the premium paywall, which will require you to pay up to $4.99 per month to access it.
Topics in Groups
A feature that you don't have to pay for is the ability to start separate conversations without creating a new group. The feature is called Topics in Groups and allows users to create temporary spaces inside the group that can hold separate conversations requiring a special space. This is much like what you can already do on Discord servers, but with the distinction of being present on an existing chat app. Each 'topic' can host up to 200 members, who can see and access it within their existing group chat while also maintaining some level of privacy. This will go a long way in ensuring that important topics and conversations aren't lost in the general chat mess.
Collectible Usernames
Vanity plates, sequential phone numbers, and custom usernames are just some of the ways that people enjoy personalizing their everyday life experiences in hopes of standing out from the crowd. Collectable Usernames take this sentiment to the next level by adding an additional layer of blockchain-based verification for the same so that you can stake your claim in a much broader sense. As the name suggests, Collectible Usernames are bespoke vanity names that are less than five characters and will act as your profile introduction to people all over the world. They are an NFT-like asset secured by the TON blockchain and can be traded via Fragment. Whoever owns the username will be able to showcase it via google search results and their personal profile, as well as custom links that follow the following format - ‘username.t.me’ or ‘t.me/username’.
Chat Interface
Other general interface improvements include a more dynamic Night Mode for iOS users, link previews and reply headers for Android users, and other accessibility options, such as resizing text, adding message loading animation, and swiping left to reply. There is even a special Halloween-themed emoji pack that will only be available to Premium users. All of these features and more will be available to Telegram users on iOS and Android whenever they update the app next.
