Telegram is among the first apps that offered encrypted messaging for secure communications but it lagged behind rivals in other aspects, though the app is now catching up, as the latest update adds a number of new features including video streaming support, an automatic Night Mode option, and a new Telegram Login widget for websites. The update is the most substantial one to hit Telegram in a good while and it should notably improve its overall experience.
Before the update, Telegram users could not watch a video without downloading it, as the app did not support video streaming. With the new version of the app, users can now stream the video and see a progress bar, with a gray strip showing how much of the video has been loaded. However, it’s worth pointing out that video streaming is still not possible for videos uploaded in previous versions of the app. The new Auto-Night Mode, meanwhile, aims to make the app easier on the eyes at night or in low-light environments. Enabling this feature will trigger Auto-Night Mode after sundown or when one’s environment is poorly lit. Telegram has a number of dark themes, so users can select which theme to apply by accessing the app’s Settings page. Dark modes have been gaining ground in a number of apps, devices, and services in recent times, aiming to reduce eye strain.
Lastly, Telegram Login will allow websites to add a widget so that users can quickly log into them through the app. Facebook has already been offering such authentication widgets for quite some time, and it makes the whole process faster and easier. Upon first using the new Telegram Login widget, users will have to enter their phone number so that Telegram can send a confirmation message. From there on, users will be able to quickly log into any external website that supports Telegram Login. The new features and improvements rolled out with Telegram 4.8 for Android which is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Those who already have the mobile app installed and automatic updates enabled should get the update soon enough or can trigger its installation manually by referring to the banner below.
