All the new functions of the Telegram beta

Good news on the messaging front. Just today the Telegram beta received an update that adds a series of new features to the App. Among these, the most interesting seem to be the video playback speed controls and screen sharing. But let’s see what it is about in more detail.

Telegram Beta: all the new features

Video playback speed

Among the new features added by Telegram beta v7.9.0, one of the most interesting is undoubtedly the speed control during video playback. A function valid both for local videos shared through the App, and for video links from YouTube and other similar platforms. To use this option, just tap the button at the top right of the screen during playback, and then select the “Speed” item. At this point, all you have to do is choose the speed at which to slow down or speed up the video from a small range of options: 0.2x, 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x and 2x.

Sharing your screen

Another interesting novelty for the new Telegram beta: the screen sharing during the one-to-one video call. Apparently, the function is well hidden in the codes, but this has not prevented us from having news about its real use. During the video call, users will only have to start sharing, first blocking the playback of the current video and then restarting it again. The sharing options there are three: phone screen, front camera and rear camera. Choosing the former will start recording / sharing the screen, indicated by a red “Cast” button. In other cases, however, you will find yourself sharing images through cameras.

Video messages and chat history

Among the other innovations introduced by the update of the messaging app there is also an option for clear a chat history when it’s older than 1 month. In addition, the beta also brings interesting updates to video messages, which can be enlarged at the time of viewing. Or seen inside a floating window that you can move as you wish. Finally, video messages will have pinch to zoom functionality in version 7.8.1.

At this point, if you are interested in trying the new Telegram functions you have to load the beta of the App yourself. This means you have to get the APK and install it separately from the stable version. And only then can you try the above options.