Yandex has released a new feature allowing users to pay for goods through a messenger service. The company's payment service, Yandex.Checkout, now allows merchants using the platform to receive money through Telegram Bots. Telegram Bots are chat bots and were introduced around two years ago, but this is the first time that Yandex.Checkout users can buy items through them, such as film tickets, mobile credit and other items. Merchants can personalise the chat script to include any extra details needed upon purchase, such as delivery times or phone numbers. The implementation of ecommerce capabilities and digital wallets brings Telegram more in line with rivals such as WeChat.Â
