Hidden features of Telegram Messenger
Telegram is an emerging cloud
based instant messaging application that has over 100 million users and 350,000
users joining daily. Founded in 2013 this application has gained a reputation
for secure messaging and end-to-end encryption, so much so, that the founders Nikolai
and Pavel Durov have announced an award of $200,000 for cracking Telegram’s
algorithm. It is lighter than its immediate rival application WhatsApp and
provides an array of features that have gained popularity. Take a look at some
of these hidden features of Telegram that you must know for an even better
experience on the application:
1.
Managing Sessions in Telegram:
One
of the most remarkable features of the Telegram is using and managing sessions.
Telegram is available across all the platforms and allows access to one’s
account from multiple devices at the same time. As cited earlier it is a cloud
based service so all the chats are kept synchronized on every device. Sessions
can also be managed under Privacy Settings to view all the active sessions and terminate
sessions with one tap.
2. Using
Telegram on web browser:
Telegram
allows access to account through the web browsers on web.telegram.org. The
chats and contacts would appear on the window and messages can be sent
seamlessly without using the application. This web version is also accessible
from mobile browsers and general functionality like sending photo or video is
also available.
3. Using
secret chats:
Boasting
of security features like end-to-end encryption, Telegram also provides a
feature called Secret Chats which provides self-destructing messages that are by
design deleted once read or viewed. The Secret Chat can be started from the new
chat option and selecting the contact. One can also choose the period from the
self-destruct timer for which the message is available to be read or viewed which
would thereafter be deleted. The timer starts when the message is read or an
image is opened. The application also sends a notification if the receiver has
taken a screenshot.
4. Hiding
the last seen from specific contact:
Even
as most messaging apps provide the feature of hiding the last seen from
contacts, Telegram provides an added aspect of hiding the last seen from a
specific contact. Under the Last Seen menu of Privacy Settings in the application
one can specify the people with whom to not share the last seen.
5. Blocking
people from adding you in groups:
On
numerous occasions people start adding you to unknown groups and channels which
is annoying. Henceforth to reduce the effort of exiting unknown groups
repeatedly, Telegram provides a feature where you can specify the people who
can add you into groups and channels. This Setting is available under the
Groups menu in Privacy settings.
6. Setting
and Using Username:
The
Username menu under Settings allows you to choose a username for your account
for other people to contact you without knowing your phone number. This is an
improvement wherein you don’t have to share your phone number with other people
as it is considered more personal.
7. Channels
on Telegram:
Channels
are tools to broadcast messages to a large number of audiences. You can join
existing channels or create your own channels. As the creator of the channel
you can broadcast messages, delete any messages, add members, remove
members, change the channel's name, profile image and link, as well as delete
the channel completely. The creator can also add and remove administrators to
help manage the channel. There are two types of channels Public and Private.
Public channels have a username and can be viewed and joined by anyone. One can
join a channel by visiting telegram.me/channelname on
the web browser and then opening the link through telegram or by sending a message
@channelname to one of the contacts and tapping on that link. There is a
catalog of channels on tchannels.me
8. Using
@ in Telegram:
Telegram
introduced inline bots which are used to communicate in a more efficient way by
searching and sending the content relevant to the conversation right from the
chat screen. You can send relevant gifs or information from websites like
Wikipedia, Imdb to the users groups or channels instantly. Several
sample bots like @gif, @imdb, @wiki, @bing, @bold can be used. You just need to
type @username of the bot you want to use along with the keyword to get the relevant
content.
9. Using
editor while sending photos:
Sending
photos is one of the universal features provided by any instant messaging
application. Telegram provides an added feature to edit the images before
sending it to the contacts or groups. The editor can be used to crop and edit
effects to enhance the photos before sharing.
10. Using
Passcode lock and Two-Step verification:
App
locks provide an easy and efficient method to keep the private chats secure
from prying eyes of friends and family. Though there are numerous App locks
available for the Android applications, iOS does not have efficient third party
App locks. Telegram provides Passcode feature to secure your application. Furthermore
it provides a two-step verification password feature that sets a regular
password for when you sign in from a new device along with the pass code you
receive on the number. This is an added security feature to keep a track of the
new sessions from multiple devices.
You can comment any queries and suggestions.
