The popular instant messaging app Telegram has finally debuted group video calls which it had announced more than a year ago. Users will be able to use the updated version on their mobile devices, tablets, and laptops to convert group audio chats into video conference sessions.
In addition to the latest updates, Telegram has introduced a number of interface-level enhancements into group video calls. Animated backgrounds, new message sending animations, and new animated emoji are among the changes. The platform has also been upgraded to include a unique menu button for bots.
The new version allows users to share the screen, as well as the camera feed and screen simultaneously. Users on tablets and desktops have an extra benefit that is where the users can open the side panel and see a split-screen view of the video grid and list of members. It will be optimized for both portrait and landscape mode, CEO Mr. Pavel Durov of Telegram said in a blog post.
On desktops, users will also have the ability for selective screen-sharing and will also get members pinned automatically when they share their screen. Further, voice chats will be available on desktops in a separate window to let users type and talk without leaving their other important tasks.
Initially, video calls will be limited to the first 30 people joining in a conversation on the platform. However, Telegram has promised to increase that limit soon.
The new update also has animated backgrounds with multi-color gradient wallpapers. Users can also create their own animated backgrounds by selecting multiple colors and patterns and also share them with contacts. The update also allows users to import stickers and brings new animated emoji to the chat.
