In a significant development for the crypto and Web3 communities, Telegram has launched a new in-app browser designed to support decentralized websites, known as “TON Sites.” This feature, available on both mobile and desktop, represents a major step towards integrating Web3 technologies into mainstream communication platforms.
Introducing TON Sites
Telegram's new browser allows users to access and interact with decentralized websites built on The Open Network (TON). The integration of TON Sites into Telegram's platform is poised to make Web3 more accessible to the app’s nearly one billion monthly users. This innovation merges traditional web browsing with Telegram's messaging capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly switch between communicating and consuming content.
“This makes Web3 immediately available to our almost one billion monthly users,” Telegram CEO Pavel Durov commented on July 31. The addition of TON Sites facilitates the launch and hosting of decentralized web servers directly through Telegram, enhancing the visibility and functionality of Web3 projects.
Expansion with Mini App Store
In addition to the new browser, Telegram has introduced its Mini App store, which was anticipated to launch by the end of July. This store provides a platform for users to access and interact with various Mini Apps, a feature that has gained substantial traction with over 500 million active users each month.
Telegram has also introduced a new payment feature within Mini Apps called “Stars.” Users can now send Stars, a form of virtual currency, to friends, further enhancing the interactive experience within the app.
Popular Mini Apps and Games
Among the standout applications is Hamster Kombat, a crypto game that has rapidly gained popularity. Launched four months ago, Hamster Kombat has surpassed 300 million players, making it the third-fastest app to reach 150 million players. The game involves players tapping a virtual hamster to earn tokens and upgrade a crypto exchange.
Another notable app is Catizen, a Web3 social entertainment platform that has garnered 26 million players since its launch in March. Catizen has also achieved significant financial success, earning $16 million from in-app purchases, with approximately $160,000 allocated to rescuing stray cats.
Integration with Toncoin
Both Hamster Kombat and Catizen utilize Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network. CoinGecko data reveals that Toncoin has experienced a remarkable 467% increase over the past year, reaching $6.78. This surge underscores the growing adoption and value of cryptocurrencies within the Telegram ecosystem.
Developments on The Open Network
The Open Network continues to evolve with recent advancements, including the launch of the W5 smart wallet standard by the TON Core team in collaboration with Tonkeeper. This new standard promises gasless transactions, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for new users and facilitating broader engagement with the TON ecosystem.
Oleg Andreev, CEO of Tonkeeper, emphasized the importance of this development: “New users can now engage with TON’s ecosystem without needing to acquire Toncoin first, substantially lowering the barriers to entry.”
Future Prospects
Telegram’s latest updates signal a robust commitment to integrating Web3 technologies and enhancing user experiences within its platform. With the introduction of the in-app browser, Mini App store, and new payment features, Telegram is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation and cryptocurrency adoption.
As the platform continues to expand its offerings and embrace new technologies, it is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital communication and decentralized applications. The integration of Web3 features and cryptocurrency within Telegram’s ecosystem is likely to drive further adoption and innovation in the digital space.
August 2024, Cryptoniteuae