Telegram has unveiled a major update for its instant messaging platform, now available for both Android and iOS users. The new version, 11.14.0, introduces a range of innovative features including Public Post Search, Story Albums, Gift Collections, Profile Ratings, and a dedicated mini app for Telegram bot developers. While the Public Post Search is limited to Premium subscribers for the time being, the other features are accessible to all users. Furthermore, Telegram has announced that a Premium Gifts option will soon be introduced for its Premium user base.
New Features in Telegram’s Update
In an official blog post, Telegram detailed the latest enhancements in its updated app version 11.14.0, aimed at enriching user experience across the platform.
Foremost among these is the new Public Post Search feature, which is currently exclusive to Premium users. This addition introduces a ‘Posts’ tab within the Search section, enabling users to find “relevant results” from public channels quickly and efficiently, thereby streamlining the process of seeking specific information.
The new Public Post Search feature enhances the user experience
Photo Credit: Telegram
Another significant addition is the Story Albums feature, which allows users to consolidate stories shared by their contacts into organized albums on their profiles. This functionality is particularly beneficial for businesses and content creators, enabling them to showcase products in an engaging manner and group their media into themed playlists. Users can easily add a story to an album by navigating to the Posts tab in their profile or channel and selecting Add Album.
The Story Album function allows seamless story organization
Photo Credit: Telegram
Additionally, the update introduces Gift Collections, enabling users to categorize gifts on their profiles or channels into “custom collections” based on themes and traits. Users can display the same gift across multiple collections and apply detailed filters for easier browsing. To create a collection, users can go to the Gifts tab, select a gift, and choose Add Collection.
The Profile Rating feature provides a numerical badge on user profiles, reflecting their engagement level through Telegram Stars. This rating assists channel owners in assessing a user’s credibility for Suggested Posts and other engagements. Users can enhance their rating by purchasing gifts, sending paid messages, and funding Suggested Posts with Stars, although refunds or gift conversions will lower the rating. Plans for a Premium Gifts feature are also in the works, which will allow Premium users to acquire exclusive gifts in limited quantities.
Lastly, Telegram has introduced the BotFather Mini App, designed specifically for developers of bots and mini apps. This tool will enable developers to create and modify their bots, adjust settings, and manage icons and descriptions easily. Moreover, it will support features such as full-screen mode, subscriptions, home screen shortcuts, geolocation, and motion tracking, thus broadening the scope of what developers can achieve within the Telegram ecosystem.
