Telegram

Introduction and Unique Features of Telegram

Telegram is a messaging service founded by Pavel Durov in 2013, with an estimated 700 million monthly users. What sets Telegram apart is its focus on privacy, encryption, and an open-source API. It offers unofficial clients and allows multiple devices and accounts on the same device.

How Telegram Works and Its Safety Features

Telegram offers the core functionality of messaging apps, including messaging, group conversations, calls, video calls, file sharing, and stickers. Its main feature is privacy, employing end-to-end encryption in calls and secret chats. However, regular chats are only encrypted client to server, unlike WhatsApp. Telegram's use of the cloud allows for multi-platform accessibility, and usernames provide better control over personal information. It also offers stories, but only for premium members. In terms of safety, Telegram is as safe or safer than other chat apps, with self-destruct timers, no forwarding or screenshotting in secret chats, and the ability to delete messages for everyone. It doesn't collect and share user data like other services.

Latest Enhancements

- Telegram offers a plethora of chat features, tools, and recent enhancements.

- Text messages come with unique features like rich text formatting and a spoiler feature.

- Image and GIF messaging can be enhanced using Telegram's built-in image editor.

- Group chats can accommodate up to 200,000 members, while channels have no limit on subscribers.

- Discussion groups enhance interaction within Telegram channels.

- Topics in groups allow for more streamlined conversations.

- Chat folders can be created, categorized, and shared with unique access links.

- Sending files and videos is easy with a generous file size limit.

- Telegram provides a wide collection of emojis, stickers, and GIFs for more engaging chats.

- Message reactions allow animated responses to messages.

- The built-in translation feature breaks down language barriers.

- Voice chats support unlimited participants and different roles.

- Animated backgrounds and customization options add aesthetic appeal.

- Live streaming and video playback speed control offer personalized content consumption.

- Telegram continuously improves and refines the user experience, keeping it at the forefront of communication apps.

Pricing and Availability

Telegram is free to use and supported by its founder and CEO Pavel Durov. It introduced new monetization methods, such as ads on public channels, premium features for business teams, and paid sticker packs. Telegram Premium costs $5 per month and offers additional features like posting stories, larger file uploads, and removal of ads.

Accessing Telegram on PC and Pros and Cons of Switching to Telegram

Telegram can be accessed on PCs through the web portal or Chrome extensions. It also offers a free API for developers to create custom clients and features. Some advantages of switching to Telegram include secret chats with end-to-end encryption, self-destruct timers, SIM-less access, cloud storage, global message deletion, usernames, large file size limits, and customization options. However, there are downsides to consider, such as Telegram notifying contacts when you join, limited access to Stories for free users, and lower popularity compared to other messaging apps.