Several messaging applications have undergone significant updates to improve their features, with WhatsApp being particularly noteworthy for their enhanced privacy measures, ranging from preventing IP address tracking to introducing chat lock features. Their most recent update also includes the ability to invite admins into WhatsApp channels. Telegram are another messaging platform that has been notably active in the past week, offering free access to Telegram’s voice transcription for all users and introducing other new features. These developments have garnered attention, prompting users to closely look at the enhancements made in the recent updates.
Telegram’s Voice Transcription Free Access
In the most recent update unveiled on Thursday, November 30th, Telegram announced the accessibility of their voice-to-text transcription feature to all users, eliminating the previous restriction that confined it to a $4.99 subscription for Telegram Premium. This means that now, anyone can transcribe voice and video messages or translate audio into different languages, or to say Telegram’s voice transcription access is free now.
There is a crucial condition to note: Exclusive access to unlimited transcriptions is granted to Premium Telegram subscribers, while free users will be restricted to converting only two messages per week. Nevertheless, even with this limitation, it can be valuable in occasional scenarios where hands-free operation is necessary. Telegram mentioned that the rollout of the transcription feature is gradual and may not be instantly available everywhere. Thus, one may have to check on updates from time to time.
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Why Is Voice Transcription Valuable?
Voice-to-text transcription is invaluable for various reasons, offering enhanced accessibility and convenience in communication. This technology enables individuals to convert spoken words into written text, facilitating efficient communication for people with hearing impairments. It also proves highly beneficial in scenarios where reading a message is more practical than listening, such as in noisy environments or during discreet situations.
Additionally, voice-to-text transcription enhances productivity by allowing users to transcribe spoken content quickly, creating written records that can be easily referenced or shared. This feature is particularly relevant in diverse contexts, including professional settings, educational environments, and everyday communication, providing a versatile and inclusive means of engaging with spoken language.
Similar Channels
Besides Telegram’s voice transcription which is now enabled for free, there are other new features introduced. Telegram are launching Similar Channels, a feature that presents users with a list of additional public channels that might be of interest upon joining a new channel. These recommended channels are automatically suggested by identifying similarities in their subscriber demographics, facilitating the discovery of individuals with similar interests for engaging in conversations.
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Stories
Additional features in the most recent update encompass the capability to enhance the reach of your cherished individuals or preferred channels by sharing their stories on your page. This includes the option to append new content such as text, audio, or video messages to the reposted stories. To accomplish this, click on the share arrow and select the ‘Repost Story’ option. However, it’s important to note that only stories that are visible to ‘Everyone’ can be reposted. If you wish to maintain privacy, there is a distinct visibility setting for your repost.
Moreover, there is now a performance statistics view that presents information on story views, shares, and reactions for channels with the ability to post stories.
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Enhancements for Premium Users
Several aesthetic modifications have been implemented as well. Telegram Premium subscribers can now designate wallpapers for individual chats, visible to both themselves and their chat partners. Premium users also have the option to personalise their profile page with a distinctive colour and logo combination.
The application has incorporated an animation for iOS users inspired by Thanos, wherein disappearing messages, once self-destructed, will vanish accompanied by a pixelated explosion, which is quite entertaining.
Some Thoughts on This Update
While features like the newly introduced free Telegram’s voice transcription, Similar Channels, and the ability to share Stories are not groundbreaking in the market, they represent notable improvements aimed at increasing user engagement on the platform. The decision to open up voice transcription from Premium to free users underscores the recognised utility of this feature within the messaging app. Voice transcription proves particularly valuable in situations where listening to voice messages is impractical. The incorporation of Similar Channels and Stories seems to draw inspiration from platforms like Instagram, possibly to foster more public engagement or interaction among Telegram users, thereby enhancing the platform’s daily usage in social media contexts.
The aesthetic upgrades allowing users to personalise wallpapers and profile pages, along with the addition of an animated effect to disappearing messages, serve as visually appealing enhancements that could entice users to explore and utilise these features. However, it’s worth noting that these aesthetic features are exclusive to Premium users and iOS users, potentially leaving non-Premium and Android users feeling disappointed. There’s a hopeful anticipation that these aesthetic features might become available for free and to Android users in future updates.
In summary, while the current update introduces valuable features for Telegram users, there is an expectation and hope for further enhancements in future updates to cater to the diverse user base of the platform.