Telegram’s Bold Step into Web3: In-App Browser and Mini App Store
Telegram has garnered attention with its newest strategic move into the Web3 domain. Renowned for its strong privacy features and intuitive interface, Telegram has been a popular choice for millions of users globally. This progressive step enhances its reputation as a leader in digital communication.
Exploring Web3 Through Telegram
Imagine navigating the latest online technologies without leaving your favorite chat app. With Telegram’s new update, users can seamlessly switch between chatting and exploring the Web3 world, thanks to the platform’s forward-thinking approach.
Introducing Web3 Access within Telegram
Telegram has unveiled an in-app browser that supports decentralized websites, known as “TON Sites.” This update allows nearly 950 million users to easily access and interact with Web3 technology directly within the app. Announced on July 31, this feature integrates Web3 into Telegram’s existing infrastructure, making decentralized web browsing more accessible.
Available on both mobile and desktop platforms, this integration allows users to effortlessly switch between browsing and messaging. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov highlighted that this feature merges communication with news consumption, offering a seamless user experience.
Users can now launch their own web servers and host websites on The Open Network (TON), enhancing Telegram’s capabilities and bringing decentralized web hosting to its extensive user base.
Launch of the Mini App Store
In addition to the in-app browser, Telegram has introduced its Mini App store, fulfilling a promise made earlier this year. This new store offers a variety of apps that users can engage with directly within the Telegram platform. Users have the option to send “Stars,” which are the currency units used within the Mini App payment system, to their friends.
Over 500 million of Telegram’s 950 million users interact with Mini Apps each month, showcasing the significant integration and popularity of these applications within the platform.
Success Stories: Hamster Kombat and Catizen
Hamster Kombat, a popular tap-to-earn crypto game on Telegram, has garnered significant attention. Players tap a hamster to earn tokens ($HMSTR) and improve their virtual cryptocurrency exchange. The game has attracted 300 million players in just four months, becoming the third-fastest app to reach 150 million users.
Another successful app is Catizen, a Web3 social entertainment platform. Launched in March, Catizen quickly gained 26 million users and generated $16 million in in-app purchases. Impressively, about $160,000 of this revenue has been donated to stray cat rescue efforts, highlighting the app’s commitment to social causes.
The TON Ecosystem and Cryptocurrency Integration
Both Hamster Kombat and Catizen utilize Toncoin (TON), the primary cryptocurrency of The Open Network. Over the past year, Toncoin’s value has surged by 467%, reaching $6.78. This growth reflects the increasing adoption of TON within Telegram’s ecosystem.
The Open Network blockchain has also advanced with the introduction of the W5 smart wallet standard by Tonkeeper. This standard allows for gasless transactions, making it easier for new users to enter the TON ecosystem without needing to purchase Toncoin first.
Impact on the Future of Web3 and Social Messaging
Telegram’s integration of decentralized websites and the expansion of its Mini App store signify a significant step towards mainstream adoption of Web3 technologies. By offering an in-app browser for decentralized sites and incorporating cryptocurrency into everyday interactions, Telegram is positioning itself as a key player in the digital world.
These new features enhance the user experience and promote the use of decentralized technologies among a broader audience. As Web3 continues to evolve, platforms like Telegram are set to play a crucial role in driving its adoption and integration into daily digital activities.
In summary, Telegram’s latest updates, featuring an in-app browser for TON Sites and the launch of the Mini App store, mark a pivotal moment in making decentralized web and cryptocurrency more accessible to millions. This move not only strengthens Telegram’s market position but also advances the adoption of Web3 technology.
