Telegram Launches 9 new features to compete with WhatsApp

The recent feature releases by Telegram’s biggest rival, WhatsApp, may have put the instant messaging service at risk. And in response, it has created nine significant improvements to combat it.

The capability to register for an account without a SIM card is one of the new capabilities that now puts Telegram ahead of WhatsApp.

Until recently, Telegram and WhatsApp both required a phone number to register new users for the service, and your account was connected to that number. With the new feature, the business stated:

“You can have a Telegram account without a SIM card and log in using blockchain-powered anonymous numbers available on the Fragment platform.”

Additional features: In addition to the option to register without a SIM card, Telegram has launched additional features, which are underlined.

Auto-delete all chats

Telegram claims that by adding this functionality, users would have more control over their future digital footprints.

“You can now set a global auto-delete timer to automatically remove messages in all new chats. Existing chats will not be affected, but you can easily expand your auto-delete settings to any of them from the new menu in Settings > Privacy & Security > Auto-Delete Messages.

“The timer will be automatically applied to all your new chats with users – regardless of who starts them – and to all new groups you create,” Telegram said.

Ultimate Privacy

Through its innovative combination of deleting messages for all participants without leaving a trace and managing current and future talks with auto-delete timers, Telegram claimed to have given users full ownership of their entire message histories.

The business said that utilizing your account without a SIM card “delivers absolute anonymity.”

Topics 2.0

While the previous update allowed group administrators of sizable groups to divide discussions into topics, fusing traditional internet forums with cutting-edge messaging technology, Telegram topics have now become even more potent – and are now accessible for groups of 100 or more members.

The service messages and pre-topic message history of groups are now stored in a default topic called General. All group members can access this topic to view previous communications, but administrators have the option to rename it or remove it from the main list.

READ MORE: WhatsApp launches a new feature, Message Yourself, that allows you to message yourself

Aggressive Anti-Spam

By activating the new Aggressive mode for the automated spam filters, Telegram claimed group administrators of groups with more than 200 members can now opt to unleash the full proactive potential of Telegram’s algorithms.

Temporary QR codes

Temporary QR codes can be created by Telegram users with public usernames to instantly connect with those in their immediate vicinity.

“Now you can generate a temporary QR code if you don’t have a username and are hiding your phone number from everyone. Scanning the code will let people instantly add you as a contact without knowing your phone number.”

Emoji search on iOS

Telegram users on iOS can now take advantage of Emoji search, which was previously only accessible on Android. Users may use keywords in a variety of languages to discover the ideal emoji, including those from their custom packs.

Detailed storage for Android

Telegram has updated the Storage Usage page on Android and it now reveals how much space each chat is consuming on your smartphone. Ten additional custom emoji packs have been added to Telegram. However, only Telegram Premium users get access to these.

Emoji reactions get customized

Emoji reactions can be personalized since users can just tap to play full-screen effects that are synchronized for both chat partners when using interactive emojis, which are a twist on message reactions.