Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging app, was developed by Nikolai and Pavel Durov. The Durov brothers, known for creating VKontakte (VK), a popular social networking site in Russia, launched Telegram in 2013. Here's an overview of how Telegram was developed and its key features:
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### Development and Founding:
1. **Founders:**
- Nikolai and Pavel Durov founded Telegram.
2. **Motivation:**
- The Durov brothers aimed to create a messaging app that prioritized speed, security, and privacy, distinguishing it from existing messaging platforms.
3. **Launch Date:**
- Telegram was launched in August 2013.
### Key Features:
4. **Cloud-Based Messaging:**
- Telegram messages are stored in the cloud, allowing users to access their conversations seamlessly across multiple devices.
5. **End-to-End Encryption (Optional):**
- While standard messages are encrypted in transit, Telegram provides an optional feature called "Secret Chats" with end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy.
6. **Self-Destructing Messages:**
- Telegram's Secret Chats feature allows users to set a timer for messages to self-destruct after a specific duration.
7. **Stickers and GIFs:**
- Telegram supports a wide variety of stickers and GIFs, enhancing the expressive capabilities of conversations.
8. **Channels and Groups:**
- Users can create and join channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences, and groups for community interactions with up to 200,000 members.
9. **Bots and API:**
- Telegram allows the creation of bots to automate tasks and interact with users. The app also provides an open API for developers.
10. **Voice and Video Calls:**
- Telegram expanded its features to include voice and video calls, providing users with multiple communication options.
11. **File Sharing:**
- Users can share files of various types, including documents, photos, and videos, up to a certain size limit.
12. **Multiple Account Support:**
- Telegram allows users to log in with multiple accounts on the same device, providing flexibility for personal and professional use.
13. **Username System:**
- Users can set a username, making it easier for others to find and connect with them without sharing their phone number.
14. **Cross-Platform Compatibility:**
- Telegram is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and web browsers.
15. **In-App Payments:**
- Telegram introduced the ability to make payments within the app, facilitating transactions and purchases.
16. **Passcode and Fingerprint Lock:**
- Users can secure their Telegram app with a passcode or fingerprint lock for added security.
17. **Theme Customization:**
- Telegram allows users to customize the app's appearance with various themes and color schemes.
18. **Polls and Quizzes:**
- Group administrators can create polls and quizzes to engage members and gather opinions.
19. **Live Locations:**
- Users can share their live location with friends or in group chats, facilitating real-time coordination.
Telegram continues to iterate and introduce new features, often incorporating user feedback and staying true to its commitment to security and privacy. The app's open nature and API availability have also led to a vibrant developer community, contributing to its extensibility.
20. **Video Messages:**
- Telegram allows users to send video messages, enhancing the multimedia communication experience.
21. **Global Search:**
- Users can search for public channels and groups using the global search feature, making it easier to discover and join communities of interest.
22. **Masks and Filters for Photos and Videos:**
- Telegram offers a range of masks and filters that users can apply to photos and videos before sharing them.
23. **Scheduled Messages:**
- Users can schedule messages to be sent at a later date or time, allowing for timely communication.
24. **Custom Emojis:**
- Telegram allows users to create and use custom emojis within their chats and groups, adding a personalized touch to conversations.
25. **Language Support:**
- Telegram supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
26. **Open Source:**
- Telegram's server-side code is open source, allowing transparency and fostering community scrutiny for security and privacy.
27. **Bio and About Section:**
- Users can add a bio and information about themselves in their profiles, providing additional context to their contacts.
28. **Data Export and Import:**
- Telegram allows users to export their data, such as chats and media, for backup or migration purposes.
29. **Quiz Mode for Polls:**
- Group administrators can create quizzes using the poll feature, adding an element of interactivity to group discussions.
30. **Instant View for Articles:**
- Telegram's Instant View feature allows users to view articles and webpages in a simplified format for a better reading experience.
31. **Animated Emoji:**
- Telegram supports animated emoji, allowing users to send dynamic and expressive emojis in their messages.
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32. **Translation:**
- Users can translate messages in chats by selecting and tapping on the message, facilitating multilingual communication.
33. **Animated Backgrounds:**
- Telegram introduced animated backgrounds, allowing users to set dynamic visuals as their chat backgrounds.
34. **Custom Notification Sounds:**
- Users can customize notification sounds for different chats, groups, or individuals, enhancing the personalization of the app.
35. **Voice Chats (Telegram Voice Chat):**
- Telegram introduced voice chats, enabling live audio conversations within groups, making it a platform for virtual events and discussions.
Telegram's commitment to user privacy, feature-rich environment, and flexibility in terms of development and customization contribute to its popularity among a diverse user base. The app continues to evolve with updates that enhance user experience and align with changing communication trends.