Telegram Stars Now Usable as Gifts for Friends and Family, Expanding Beyond Paid Content Purchases
Telegram continues to push the boundaries of user experience with its latest feature-packed update, unveiled on Thursday. One of the most notable additions is the introduction of a multi-tab in-app browser, which promises to make web browsing more intuitive within the app. This feature is expected to streamline the experience for its 950 million monthly active users, allowing them to open multiple tabs and easily switch between them without losing track of their conversations or browsing sessions.
In addition to the multi-tab browsing feature, Telegram has also expanded its mini apps ecosystem by launching a new Apps tab in the search function. This tab enables users to explore a variety of mini apps integrated into the platform, providing a seamless experience for accessing external services directly within Telegram. Users can check the apps they currently use, explore new ones, and even see previews in the form of video demos and screenshots, which developers can now upload to offer a more dynamic preview of their app offerings.
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is the new gifting option for Telegram Stars. Previously restricted to purchasing content in mini apps or premium channel content, Telegram Stars can now be sent as gifts to friends or family. This addition is expected to enhance social interaction on the platform, making it more engaging and interactive for users. The gifting option marks a significant step in Telegram’s evolution into a more versatile platform, encouraging users to connect and share beyond just messaging.
This update follows closely on the heels of last month’s significant development, which saw the introduction of Microsoft’s AI chatbot, Copilot, integrated into Telegram’s ecosystem. The integration of Copilot signaled the platform’s focus on bringing advanced AI features to its users, enhancing both productivity and conversational capabilities within the app. With the recent update, Telegram is now further strengthening its commitment to offering advanced tools and features that cater to both casual users and power users alike.
The multi-tab browsing experience is not just limited to mainstream websites. Telegram has gone a step further by enabling support for decentralized websites hosted on The Open Network (TON). This feature, available across both mobile and desktop platforms, adds a layer of privacy and security for users who prefer decentralized web content. Users can navigate back to their chats while keeping their browsing sessions intact, ensuring that they don’t lose any progress during their multitasking activities.
With these latest additions, Telegram continues to solidify its position as a comprehensive, multi-functional platform. From enhanced web browsing capabilities to a growing mini apps ecosystem and the expanded use of Telegram Stars, the platform is constantly innovating to meet the diverse needs of its global user base. This update not only reflects Telegram’s commitment to improving the user experience but also highlights its ambition to remain at the forefront of the messaging app landscape, competing with other major players in the tech world.