Telegram’s latest update was reportedly delayed. CEO Pavel Durov posted a message on his Telegram channel on August 10 letting users know that the update was stuck in Apple’s review process for two weeks and no word was given as to why it was stuck.
The Verge confirmed yesterday that the update was released. Durov stated on his Telegram channel that the update was blocked due to a feature that the app would end up having to remove called Telemojis. Durov described them to be a “higher quality vector-animated versions of the standard emoji.”
A preview included in his message showed that the Telemoji would look like a standard emoji, but additionally would have some animations to make messaging more expressive.
“This is a puzzling move on Apple’s behalf, because Telemoji would have brought an entire new dimension to its static low-resolution emoji and would have significantly enriched their ecosystem,” wrote Durov.
It does seem strange that the app was stalled over the Telemoji, since there are already lots of emoji and sticker options in Telegram that go beyond the iOS standard set. Durov also noted that there are more than 10 new emoji packs in the latest Telegram update and that the company would have to take time to make Telemoji “even more unique and recognizable.”
Telegram also said that it’s launching an “open emoji platform,” allowing anyone to upload their own set of emojis that people can use so long as they pay for Telegram’s premium service. Users who don’t have the premium service can still see the customized emojis and even test them in “saved messages” like reminders and notes. Custom emojis can also be interactive, giving full-screen animation reactions.
Telegram redesigned its sticker, GIF, and emoji panel for ease, with tabs for each reaction category. It allows for the iOS keyboard to match up with the Android app and the web versions of Telegram. There are also privacy settings allowing users to control who can send video and voice messages.
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Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
