There is no doubt that Telegram is one of the most complete messaging apps on the Android scene, always in eternal rivalry with WhatsApp to predominate on mobile devices. It is still in the shadow of the Facebook-owned platform, but it has always been one step ahead in terms of functionality and innovation. The work culminates with the launch of Telegram X, a more advanced version.
And it is intended for those users who are looking for more features and a more fluid interface. The truth is that this Telegram client meets such requirements, even with greater ease of use for a practically complete user experience. We are going to explain all the features of this app, in addition to the differences with the original version.
What is Telegram X and where does this idea come from?
It is an instant messaging app that works on the basis of the original version, which does not need to be pre-installed to enjoy this 2.o version. It is a kind of experimental app, presenting more advanced functions or developments in advance, which will then be reflected in Telegram. According to creator Pavel Durov, it serves as internal competition in the company, to promote innovation and get new ideas in this sector.
The idea came from Telegram Android Challenge, a contest promoted by the company itself in 2016, in which innovative and viable ideas were proposed for all types of users. The first prize was obtained by the project called Challegram in the TDLib library category, a program to develop multiplatform, secure, easy-to-use and multilanguage Telegram clients.
From Challegram it was renamed Telegram X, although the reason behind this change has not been entirely clear. Not only did the app's name change, but the developer's name was changed under the name of Telegram LLC, even the Google Play contact email also has the Telegram domain - although the name of Challegram has been kept in the URL. -. One of two: or the company bought the start-up, or its creator directly became part of the team without absorption in between.
All its features in the light
The app has several functionalities that deserve a mention of the utilities that they fulfill. Especially in the section on customization and design, where they focus more of their resources, more than on new chat or system options.
PIN control
In Telegram chats could be encrypted through a code, but in version X the security has increased. In addition to a code, the methods for blocking conversations amount up to 5 options. They can be unlocked through a password, a gesture, a pattern and even with the fingerprint, which we will have to re-register in the app itself.
Separate tabs for chats and calls
It is the first thing that we find only in the app, two independent columns for both conversations and calls. To move from one to another, you simply have to press on the screen, which makes the change much more agile and quick.
Saved messages
This section, which works as a private chat to send messages and files to ourselves, has a different layout than the main version. The location to find this chat is the same, but the items are arranged differently. The multimedia sections, such as images, music or GIFs are now found at the top in a sliding menu.
In addition, we can access the integrated bot in a more visible way, simply by clicking on the icon of a clip at the bottom. Right there we will see on the far right a logo quite indicative of a robot, and we can quickly start chatting.
More customizable interface
In the "Settings" menu, we find a new section called "Interface", where it is possible to configure more parameters in design aspects and new functions within a chat. In this menu, in addition to changing the color of the app as always, options such as GIFs auto-play, chats preview, insert emojis or animated stickers, and custom vibrations are configured.
Actions can even be assigned by sliding your finger across the screen to reply or share a message. On the other hand, we can hide the keyboard when moving the chat, separate the photos and videos in different tabs or edit the markdowns, that is, the italics and the bold.
In addition, a quite striking detail is that we can play audios and video messages automatically only when the headset is close to the ear, something quite useful. And if we do not like the type of font that Telegram X uses, nothing happens, it can be changed to the font that we normally use on the smartphone. However, we have to say that the stability of the app can be compromised.
PiP technology
The full name of this technology is called Picture in Picture, and translated into Spanish, it means that we can continue watching the videos while browsing the app. In other words, through a floating bubble, a video continues to play, while we can reply to another person. It is a system that has recently been implemented in Telegram X.
Section dedicated to Stickers
If we access the «Settings» menu again, we will see a section only for stickers, which are divided into several categories. We have the 'Featured', which are practically the new animated stickers that have been implemented for this app, while we are also shown the collections of stickers that we already have installed. Finally, there is a tab called 'Masks', which are cartoons of different types and of course, there is also a choice.
Differences with the original version of Telegram
The differences between one version and another are not too noticeable, while not negligible when choosing one of the two options. Without further ado, we are going to show the most relevant characteristics with which Telegram X makes a difference.
Fluency and gestures
Cleaner, more orderly interface, with less saturation of options ... Honestly, this adds value to the app, since it is capable, given so much configuration, of giving it the appropriate arrangement throughout the menus. In addition, it gains a lot in fluidity, with almost imperceptible animations and transitions, while Telegram was somewhat more crude in this regard.
On the other hand, the gesture system has improved. In addition to accessing the sidebar as it could be done previously, the app includes interactions such as replying or sharing messages with just one movement, the same that we need to exit a chat to the main menu.
Advanced functionalities
Personalization is another of the pivotal themes of Telegram X. It offers more configurable options, both in design and interface themes, as well as in browsing themes. bubble chats and in security. Without a doubt, it means being one step ahead in news, since if we are in the normal version, they would not arrive until a while.
Improved GIFs
Sending a GIF file doesn't have to mean a short video. Now, we can have these videos in a loop with an extension of time greater than what is usually usual, specifically in the Telegram app. In addition, the search for GIFs has been improved with a clearer preview of these files.
Facelift to the music player
It is true that Telegram already had this function integrated, but in this version they have given it a drastic twist. More than a change, it is a facelift, with a much more careful appearance. The aesthetics of the first-time version were somewhat rough and
Why has its use increased lately?
It is something that has been happening not only in 2020, but a few months later. And we say it with knowledge of the facts, since Telegram notifies when a new user enters the platform. It is no coincidence, all this is due to the implementation of news in much greater quantity than WhatsApp, and above all, for some controversies.
The app that Facebook owns has been swept away by various news items that, hoaxes or not, have led to a large-scale number of downloads from Telegram. The last has been a campaign promoted in Spain in which WhatsApp is accused of hiding certain information about the Coronavirus from society, and that is being used by Pavel Durov's project.
Is the change worth it?
If we are really looking for more functionalities and customization in a messaging app, Telegram X is the perfect app. In addition, it does not revert to a lower level of security in our conversations, quite the opposite. What's more, its stability is not affected at any time, with an unusual fluidity. All this without losing data by changing from one app to another, since both are synchronized. We think it's a worthwhile change, especially because it offers a greater user experience.
Telegram X
TASTING SCORES (7 VOTES)
7.2final match.
| Category | Social |
|---|---|
| Voice control | Yes |
| Size | Varies by device |
| Minimum Android version | Varies by device |
| In-app purchases | No |
| Developer | Telegram LLC |
Best
- Improved layout
- Settings customization
- Fluency
Worst
- Few malfunctions, it is an experimental app
