Telegram adds video transcription, separate topics in large groups chats, NFT-like “Collectible Usernames” secured by the TON blockchain network, and more (Jess Weatherbed/The Verge)

Callan Quinn / The Block:
Telegram will launch auctions for its usernames via TON blockchain, following a TON auction for wallet usernames, some of which sold for $200K+  —  – The Telegram messaging app is soon to launch a username auction platform.  — Other elements of the Telegram ecosystem, including channels …

Amanda Silberling / TechCrunch:
Meta plans to test Discord-like “Community Chats” in Messenger and Facebook Groups, offering categories, audio and video channels, admin-only chats, and more  —  Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this morning that “Community Chats” are coming to Messenger and Facebook Groups.

Filipe Espósito / 9to5Mac:
Updated App Store guidelines say that apps may sell NFTs via IAP and display NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock in-app features  —  Following the release of iOS 16.1 and other software updates on Monday, Apple has updated the App Store guidelines to revise some existing rules and add new ones.

Jess Weatherbed / The Verge:
Google adds new accessibility and sharing features to Android, including a Nearby Share feature to automatically accept transfers between users’ own devices  —  Oh, and you can stick Bitmoji on your watch, too  —  Android is introducing a clutch of new features to improve accessibility …

Andrew Liszewski / Gizmodo:
Disney unveils FRAN, an AI tool that helps TV or film producers make an actor look older or younger without the need for complex and expensive visual effects  —  With just a few clicks, actors can look younger or older without the need for expensive visual effects.  —  Alerts

Danny Nelson / CoinDesk:
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov says the messaging app plans to build a decentralized crypto exchange and noncustodial wallets  —  The messaging app is pushing ahead with its buildout of crypto infrastructure.  —  Messaging app Telegram has sold $50 million in usernames in less than a month through …