Telegram, the popular crypto-friendly messaging platform, has introduced a new in-app browser that supports decentralized websites, known as “TON Sites,” available on both mobile and desktop.
This move, announced in a July 31 post, aims to bring Web3 technology to Telegram’s nearly one billion monthly users.
CEO Pavel Durov highlighted the significance of this update, stating that it brings Web3 capabilities directly to Telegram’s nearly one billion monthly users. The new browser allows seamless switching between browsing websites and messaging, integrating communication with news consumption.
In addition to TON Sites, Telegram also rolled out its Mini App store, fulfilling an earlier promise to users. This feature enables Telegram users to interact with lightweight applications within the platform. Notably, more than 500 million users out of Telegram’s 950 million users engage with Mini Apps every month.
Among the popular Mini Apps is “Hamster Kombat,” a crypto game where players earn tokens by interacting with a virtual crypto exchange. Within four months of its launch, Hamster Kombat has amassed over 250 million players, making it one of the fastest-growing apps on Telegram.
Another standout Mini App is “Catizen,” a Web3 social entertainment platform that has attracted 26 million players since its March debut. Catizen has generated $16 million from in-app purchases, with a portion dedicated to rescuing stray cats, demonstrating the platform’s philanthropic angle.
Both Hamster Kombat and Catizen operate using Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON). Over the past year, Toncoin has surged by 467% to $6.78, reflecting growing interest and adoption within the Telegram ecosystem.
Further advancements on The Open Network include the recent launch of the W5 smart wallet standard by the TON Core team in collaboration with Tonkeeper. This initiative aims to facilitate gasless transactions, lowering entry barriers for new users looking to engage with TON’s blockchain ecosystem.
Telegram’s introduction of decentralized websites and Mini Apps marks a significant step towards integrating Web3 functionalities and enhancing user engagement within its platform.
