Telegram Messenger goes Material with v2.0 update, adds a few new security features
Telegram Messenger has been updated to v2.0, overhauling the design of the app from a WhatsApp clone to a properly different messaging app.
Telegram came up as an alternative to WhatsApp, overcoming some of the annoyances and adding a couple of its own niceties like Secret chats and end-to-end message encryption. To add to it, it’s completely free, unlike WhatsApp (although I don’t know any friend who’s ever had to pay for WhatsApp – in the six years I’ve been using it, I haven’t had to pay a dime for renewing my subscription). Security, WhatsApp-like UI, more flexibility than WhatsApp – all seem to be in favour of the app.
Today, it’s come out of its WhatsApp shell with a shiny new Material Design theme. I’d rather you try the app yourself than explain the design – Google’s new Material design is delightful if done right. Thankfully, Telegram has done a good job of sticking to the basics here.
Apart from the new UI, Telegram now has:
- Determine who can see your Last Seen time – with maximum flexibility
- Set a period of inactivity after which your account will self-destruct (from 1 month to 1 year)
- Cloud search for messages
I’ve been using Telegram for a while now, and cloud search was really needed. The account self-destruct option is really nice, too.
Telegram has a web app apart from apps for other OS, including desktops.
