Issue with inline bots whose usernames end with lowercase "bot".
It seems like quite an old behavior, but this became a problem after the guest mode feature was released.
For any inline bot: if its username ends with the lowercase suffix "bot" (e.g., @lybot, @silero_voice_bot, @usinfobot), Telegram clients (tested on Desktop and Android) do not allow sending the plain username as a message. As soon as you type such a username, the client instantly shows an inline hint instead of letting you send the text as-is.
However, if the username does not end with lowercase "bot" – for example, it ends with uppercase "Bot" (@LyBot, @InWordyBot) or something else entirely (@sounds, @clips) – everything works fine. You can send the plain username as normal text.
This became a problem after the guest mode feature was released. It would be very useful to have both inline mode functionality AND the ability to simply mention a bot with "@some_nickname_bot" in any message.
Currently, Telegram prevents sending "@some_nickname_bot" as plain text if:
inline mode is enabled for the bot, and
the bot's username ends with lowercase "bot".
Steps to reproduce
Go to any private chat, or private group, or public group.
Find any inline bot whose username ends with lowercase "bot" (e.g., @lybot, @silero_voice_bot, @usinfobot).
Try to send that username as plain text in any chat (e.g., type @lybot and press Send).
Find any inline bot whose username does not end with lowercase "bot" (e.g., @sounds, @clips, or a bot with uppercase "Bot" like @LyBot, @InWordyBot).
Try to send that username as plain text (e.g., type @LyBot and press Send).
Best example that illustrates the issue. @lybot and @LyBot are actually the same bot (different capitalization only).
Typing "@lybot"-- Telegram instantly shows inline hints and does not allow sending it as plain text.
Typing "@LyBot" -- works as expected: you can send the plain text without any inline prompt.