Speedy and secure alternative to WhatsApp
Way before WhatsApp Web came onto the market, Telegram already offered a web-based version of its security-focused messaging app. In terms of features, Telegram's web app is streets ahead of its rival's product, offering almost the exact same functionality as the mobile version.
Send Telegrams from any device
To start using Telegram for the web you must already have signed up for an account on the Android, iOS, or Windows Phone app. Once you've verified your details via the mobile app you're ready to start chatting.
The app allows you to easily message your mobile contacts, start a group chat, send an unlimited number of audio and video files (in batches if you chose), as well as insert emoticons and stickers of famous world leaders including Gandhi. You can also leave voice messages, but voice and video calling is currently not available.
The web version has an in-app browser meaning you can open links without leaving Telegram, although this can be disabled if you prefer. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, Vine, and YouTube links can be directly embedded, so the posts will show up in their full glory, not just as a link. And @ mentioning any contact's username will automatically start a chat with them.
While your phone contacts are automatically synced to the web version, you can also search for additional people via their usernames. Notification settings can also be edited for each individual contact - so you can effectively mute friends if they're sending you too many messages!
Prioritizing speed and security
Security has always been Telegram's major point of differentiation and this is no different with the web version. The messages are encrypted in the cloud, but the one major omission in terms of security is secret chat (self-destructing, not stored on the company's servers, and can't be forwarded).
With WhatsApp having been acquired by Facebook, there are fears about what will happen to users' data, which is where Telegram hopes to grow thanks to its promise never to sell user data.
Speed is another major plus point for Telegram. Sending a batch of ten photos happened immediately, while audio and video is very quick to upload and send.
Messages sync seamlessly across devices and once you've seen a message on one device, it's marked as read on the other, meaning you don't have to deal with multiple notifications.
WhatsApp you say?
Telegram is a credible alternative to WhatsApp as, with privacy and security being key for today's users, it has built a solid place for itself in the market. The web version boasts many more features than its rivals, and provides a smoother, speedier experience.
