Bot API 10.4 Introduces HTML Widgets, TON Wallet Integration, and Ephemeral Messages

The latest update to the Bot API, version 10.4, introduces significant features that enhance user interaction and functionality for bot and Mini App developers. This update affects all bot developers looking to create more dynamic and interactive experiences.

Key Changes

HTML Widgets

• Dynamic Interfaces: Bots can now send native HTML widgets directly within message bubbles, allowing for custom layouts and interactive elements.
• User Interaction: Widgets can send queries and receive answers, enabling users to engage with a reactive user interface.
• Real-Time Updates: Bots can update widgets in place, ensuring that the UI remains current without needing to resend messages.
• Reusable Widgets: Shared widgets allow bots to maintain a consistent UI across messages, with centralized updates.

TON Wallet Integration

• Seamless Transactions: HTML widgets can now integrate with Telegram's native Wallet, facilitating transaction notifications and signatures.
• Wallet Insights: Bots can access users' wallet cards, including balances and NFT stickers, and receive service messages regarding wallet transfers.

Ephemeral Messages

• Custom Replies: Button presses can now trigger ephemeral replies that are only visible to the user who interacted, creating personalized experiences in shared chats.

Additional Features

• Rich Message Quoting: Bots can now easily quote rich messages, enhancing communication.
• Gift Integration: Developers can look up unique gifts by name, streamlining the process of integrating gifts into their bots.
• Secondary Usernames: Premium users can assign up to two secondary usernames to their bots, with specific endings allowed.

For a comprehensive overview of all changes, refer to the full changelog here.

Practical Impact for Developers

These updates provide bot developers with powerful tools to create more engaging and interactive experiences. The integration of HTML widgets and the TON Wallet can streamline transactions and enhance user interactions, while ephemeral messages allow for personalized communication in group settings.

Source: Telegram Bot News