Messaging platform Telegram is releasing a big 2.0 update for its mini-apps. The update will enable mini-app publishers to launch subscriptions while the apps themselves will be able to run full screen. Users can also send gifts from the apps and they can be added directly to the home screen of phones and other devices.
Telegram has become an incredibly popular app with almost a billion monthly active users. Those options range from cryptocurrency wallets to casino gaming apps. The in-application casino solution enables gamblers to place wagers directly through the app, rather than having to use their browser or the casino app itself. It is a convenient, quick alternative that still provides access to a wide variety of games (source: www.tg.casino). It’s already become popular mong Telegram users, and we’ll see how things will develop beyond.
Mini apps are small applications that can run directly inside the Telegram app itself and were launched in 2020. This latest update, dubbed mini apps 2.0, not only adds some advanced features but also paves the way for further improvements in the future, potentially unlocking VR and more.
The new update, which officially launched on November 20, allows mini apps to open full screen and in either landscape or portrait orientation. This can be very useful for games and apps that require more screen real estate. Devs will be able to lock the screen orientation to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Its use in gaming will be especially beneficial and also coincides with another of the improvements, which is that of improved gesture and interface control. Different games use different gesture inputs, and these have been somewhat limited so far in Telegram apps. But users will be able to better pinch, scroll, and elicit in-game control following the update.
Motion control has also been added, so mini-apps will be able to connect to the phone’s motion-sensing software and use the inputs from these to be able to control games. It is also hoped that this addition will pave the way for the integration of VR into the platform. VR has yet to be announced for the platform, but devs and players are hopeful it will launch eventually.
As well as being able to create more intuitive and enjoyable games, devs will also benefit from this upgrade with greater options to monetize their apps. Subscription plans have been added to mini apps. The regular inflow of revenue to an app developer also means they will be more inclined to post regular updates and continue to improve their games, while subscriptions can be used to purchase additional extras.
Further options being given to devs include the opportunity to create downloadable documents and media, and users will be allowed to download or consume these files. This could be another way of enabling users to share content with friends, or it could even potentially be used to create NFTs and other collectibles.
Gift sending has been enable, as well. Users will be able to send gifts to other users, as rewards, and Telegram has promised that individuals will be able to alter their privacy settings to determine who can and who cannot send them gifts. Gifts could be another way in which we see the introduction of NFTs and digital collectibles.
Currently, to access mini apps, users need to log into their Telegram app and then select the mini app they wish to use. However, it will now be possible to add links to mini apps directly to the home screen of a device. Rather than having to first click into Telegram, the user will be able to click the link on their screen and be taken directly to that specific app.
Finally, Telegram has enabled better access to hardware and software information for mini-app developers. This enables software to be able to determine RAM and processor capabilities and then optimize settings so that the app runs as smoothly as possible on the given device. This can greatly improve visual and media performance and is another area where game developers will especially be able to benefit from the mini apps 2.0 update.
To wrap it all up, Telegram users can now install this latest update to enjoy access to all of the latest features.
