Telegram Releases Decentralized Browser & Mini-App Store

Telegram Releases Decentralized Browser & Mini-App Store

Telegram, a messaging platform renowned for its crypto-friendly features, has launched a significant update to revolutionize how users interact with decentralized web services.
On July 31, 2024, Telegram introduced an in-app browser supporting decentralized websites and a new mini-app store, alongside several other enhancements aimed at improving user experience and facilitating the adoption of Web3 technology.

The browser supports decentralized websites, called “TON Sites,” hosted on The Open Network (TON). This integration brings the decentralized web to the fingertips of nearly one billion monthly Telegram users.

“The Telegram browser supports decentralized websites hosted on TON across all mobile and native desktop apps. This makes Web3 immediately accessible to almost one billion of our monthly users,” the Telegram team highlighted in their blog post.

CEO Pavel Durov also emphasized the ease and potential of this feature in a post, noting that it combines communication with news consumption, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

In addition to the browser, Telegram has introduced a mini-app store, fulfilling a promise made earlier in July. This store allows users to explore, preview, and share mini-apps directly within their chats.

The store also incorporates a payment system where users can send “Stars” to friends, facilitating transactions and interactions within the app ecosystem.

The mini-app store has seen substantial engagement, with over 500 million of Telegram's 950 million users interacting with Mini Apps monthly. This level of engagement underscores the platform's ability to integrate additional functions that enhance user interaction and satisfaction.

Most Popular Apps on Telegram's Mini-App Store

Among the most popular mini-apps are Hamster Kombat and Catizen. Hamster Kombat, a crypto game, has attracted over 300 million players, making it one of the fastest-growing apps on the platform.

Both Hamster Kombat and Catizen use The Open Network's native cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON), which has seen a significant value increase, rising 467% to $6.78 over the past year.
The Open Network (TON) previously introduced the W5 smart wallet standard by the TON core team in collaboration with Tonkeeper. This new standard enables gas-free transactions, making it easier for new users to engage with the TON ecosystem without needing to acquire Toncoin first.

These innovations significantly lower the barriers to entry and are part of broader efforts to bring cryptocurrency to the mainstream.

conclusion

Telegram's recent launch of a decentralized browser and mini-app store marks a significant leap in the integration of Web3 technologies into mainstream applications. By supporting decentralized websites hosted on The Open Network (TON) and introducing a mini-app store with substantial user engagement, Telegram is making Web3 more accessible to nearly one billion users. This move not only enhances user experience by combining communication with seamless access to decentralized services but also encourages the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies like Toncoin. With innovations such as gas-free transactions and the growing popularity of mini-apps like Hamster Kombat and Catizen, Telegram is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital and decentralized revolution, lowering entry barriers and fostering a more inclusive digital economy.

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