Mobile and Desktop Versions of Telegram
Telegram is a free and encrypted messaging app that is arguably more secure than most of its competitors. It is available on desktop computers via a web app, and there are Chrome and Edge extensions. The desktop version is useful for users that want to increase their speed by using a computer keyboard instead of a smartphone keyboard, or to avoid consuming valuable mobile phone storage with large files. The program also offers a variety of features that make it more customizable than many competitors, including the ability to create themes and custom stickers.
The two new web versions of telegram desktop download—Web K and Web Z—adhere to the same design principles as the mobile apps, but they differ in their feature sets. Both prioritize security and offer end-to-end encryption. Additionally, both have a dark mode and chat folders, as well as new in-app payment tools that let you send money to friends directly from within a conversation. The desktop versions also have a few extra features not found in the mobile apps, such as a long-press menu that lets you schedule messages for delivery in the future or send them without sound.
While Telegram touts its encryption capabilities in its marketing, it’s important to note that these safety features aren’t set by default. Users must manually enable these settings to use the service securely, whereas competitors like Signal and WhatsApp apply this protection by default. Additionally, Telegram collects and stores metadata on all users—including their IP address and device information—and this data can be used to identify individuals or groups of people.
Is There a Difference Between the Mobile and Desktop Versions of Telegram?
The company’s refusal to give governments access to private user data has led to its frequent blocking in certain countries, and critics have accused the app of being a platform for spreading misinformation and ethnic hatred. Durov has denied these claims, but experts remain skeptical of the app’s security measures.
Both the web and desktop versions of Telegram have a number of additional features that distinguish them from the mobile apps, such as a customizable UI and extensive bot integration. These bots can do everything from providing news and weather forecasts to facilitating calls with friends and family. In addition, the desktop version allows you to create customized themes for the app and customize how links open.
While both the Telegram Web K and Z apps are focused on security, they still don’t prioritize privacy as much as the mobile versions of the program. The web versions require a phone number to verify your identity, which can be an issue for users that prefer not to share this information with third parties. However, it is possible to use a proxy server to circumvent these limitations. Additionally, the web versions don’t support group video or audio calls, which are both available in the mobile apps. Regardless of these limitations, both web versions are worth considering if you’re looking for a fast, secure messaging app with plenty of features.