Telegram has made a notable advancement for its users by launching a new in-app browser that supports decentralised websites.
This update is a key part of the company’s ongoing initiative to incorporate Web3 features into its platform.
The latest feature is an in-app browser that allows users to access decentralised websites, known as “TON Sites”, directly within the Telegram application.
Announced by Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the move aims to merge the browsing and messaging experience seamlessly.
The browser supports these decentralised sites across all mobile and desktop versions of the app.
According to Telegram’s official blog post, “Telegram’s browser supports decentralised websites hosted on TON — in all mobile and native desktop apps. This makes Web3 immediately available to our almost one billion monthly users.”
This integration brings the benefits of Web3 technology to Telegram’s vast user base, allowing for an enhanced online experience without needing to leave the app.
Mini App store and payment system
Alongside the new browser, Telegram has also rolled out several improvements to its Mini App store.
The Mini App store now includes new search options, app previews from developers, and the ability to share mini apps within user-generated Stories.
This expansion aims to enrich user interaction with Telegram’s ecosystem.
Telegram users can also send “Stars”, which are units of the Mini App payment system, to their friends. The official post added,
“Developers can now upload video demos and screenshots for their mini app previews to let users know what to expect.”
This feature supports the growing interaction within Telegram’s Mini App environment, where over 500 million users engage with these apps monthly.
The rise of Telegram-based games
Among the notable applications on Telegram is “Hamster Kombat”, a crypto game that has gained significant traction since its launch four months ago.
This game, which involves tapping a hamster to earn tokens and upgrade a virtual crypto exchange, recently surpassed 300 million players.
Telegram reports that it is the third-fastest app to reach 150 million players.
Another popular app is “Catizen”, a Web3 social entertainment platform that has amassed 26 million players since its launch in March.
Catizen has generated $16 million in in-app purchases, with a portion of the funds going towards rescuing stray cats.
Both Catizen and Hamster Kombat utilise The Open Network’s native cryptocurrency, Toncoin ($TON).
According to CoinGecko data, Toncoin has increased by 467% over the past year, and is currently trading at $6.75.
The Open Network (TON) has also seen advancements with the launch of its W5 smart wallet standard, developed in collaboration with Tonkeeper.
This new feature enables gasless transactions, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for new users.
Tonkeeper CEO, Oleg Andreev, highlighted that users can now interact with TON’s ecosystem without initially acquiring Toncoin.
Telegram’s latest updates come at a time when the platform is experiencing significant growth. Founder Pavel Durov has projected that Telegram could reach one billion active monthly users this year.
Despite past challenges, including the refusal to comply with a 2018 censorship request in Russia, Telegram continues to expand its user base.
The platform’s emphasis on speed and privacy remains a major draw for users worldwide, particularly in regions where these features are highly valued.
Telegram’s new in-app browser and enhanced Mini App store represent a major step forward in integrating decentralised technologies into its platform.
With its expanding features and successful app ecosystem, Telegram is well-positioned to further solidify its role in the evolving digital landscape.
