Telegram, the popular crypto-friendly social messaging platform, has launched a new in-app browser that supports decentralized websites, known as “TON Sites.” This feature is now available on both mobile and desktop, providing Web3 access to Telegram’s 950 million users.
Seamless Web3 Integration
The introduction of the in-app browser allows users to seamlessly switch between browsing decentralized websites and messaging. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov emphasized that this integration merges communication with news consumption, making Web3 “immediately available” to nearly one billion monthly users. TON Sites enable users to launch web servers and host websites on The Open Network (TON).
Expanding the Telegram Ecosystem
In addition to the browser, Telegram launched a Mini App store as promised. Users can now interact with Mini Apps and send “Stars,” the platform’s payment system units, to friends. The Mini App ecosystem has seen substantial engagement, with over 500 million users interacting with these apps monthly.
One of the most popular Mini Apps is Hamster Kombat, a crypto game that has quickly gained traction. The game recently surpassed 300 million players, making it the third-fastest app to reach 150 million players. In the game, players earn tokens by tapping a hamster and upgrading their virtual crypto exchange.
Also Read: Telegram Adds Mini-App Store, Web3 Browser
Another notable app is Catizen, a Web3 social entertainment platform. Launched in March, Catizen has attracted 26 million players and generated $16 million in in-app purchases, with approximately $160,000 dedicated to rescuing stray cats.
Toncoin and New Blockchain Developments
Both Hamster Kombat and Catizen utilize Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network. Over the past year, Toncoin has surged by 467%, reaching $6.78. The TON Core team continues to innovate, recently launching the W5 smart wallet standard in collaboration with Tonkeeper. This new feature allows for gasless transactions, making it easier for new users to engage with TON’s ecosystem without needing to acquire Toncoin first, thus lowering the barriers to entry.
