Telegram for Android Gets Instant Video Streaming, Auto-Night Mode, and More

Telegram app for Android devices has received an update to version 4.8. The latest update brings an instant video streaming feature to Telegram as well as includes an Auto-Night mode. Additionally, the updated app has a dedicated 'Logged in with Telegram' section that lists all the websites you are logged in to via Telegram. You can download the new Telegram version by visiting Google Play.

With Telegram 4.8, uploaded videos can be streamed right within the Telegram app immediately, without having to fully download them first. A light grey strip is available below the video to show download progress to users. The updated Telegram for Android also comes with the Auto-Night mode that automatically switches to the dark version of the interface after nightfall or in low-light conditions. The app will apparently identify the conditions by combining the data obtained from the ambient light sensor with the current time. You can activate the new experience by going to Settings > Theme > Auto-Night mode. Furthermore, an option to switch to Preferred Night Theme is also available to let you pick a theme when the Auto-Night mode is activated.

Alongside the features specifically designed for Android users, Telegram has launched a new login widget that will let you log in to other websites and services using your Telegram account. The widget will ask you to enter your account phone number for the first time and then send you a confirmation message via Telegram. After that, you need to click 'Accept' to send your Telegram name, username, and your profile picture to the website. Your phone number remains hidden, though. All the login information provided through the new widget will be within the 'Logged in with Telegram' section that is available in the Privacy & Security settings on Telegram 4.8. It also lists all the websites you are logged in to via Telegram.

Telegram said in a blog post that all the new features are coming to iOS as well, though no time frame was specified.

Earlier this month, Telegram released Telegram X for Android as an experimental app that promised to reinvent the experience in terms of speed, quality of animations, and ease of use among others. The app has a bubble-free mode for chats and a list of swiping actions and the ability to let users preview content with a tap and hold gesture on their chats.