Telegram updates Bot API to version 10.4: What's new

Telegram has released Bot API 10.4, introducing private replies in group chats, formatted quotes, additional usernames and new message formatting options alongside HTML widgets.

Here are the main changes beyond widgets:

• Private replies. When a user taps a button beneath a bot's message in a group chat, only that user will see the bot's response. The feature works in all chats except private messages with channels.
• Formatted quotes. Bots can now quote messages while preserving advanced text formatting.
• Additional usernames. Telegram Premium subscribers can assign a second username to up to two of their bots, ending in agent, ai, app, game or gay.
• New formatting options. Bank card numbers and TON blockchain addresses can now appear as distinct formatted elements in messages.
• Topic links. Bots can generate links to topics in their private chats, but each link will work only for the user involved in that conversation.

Business account owners can also use bots to delete regular gifts without converting them into Stars. Bots can now retrieve information about unique gifts by name.

The biggest addition in Bot API 10.4 is HTML widgets. Bots and AI agents can send interactive messages with custom layouts, buttons and dimensions directly into chats. Widgets communicate with bots in real time, allowing bots to update their content without sending new messages.

A shared widget can be distributed across multiple chats, with changes appearing everywhere at once. Widgets can also allow bots to interact with a user's TON wallet.