Telegram Launches In-App Browser and Mini App Store to Promote Web3 Adoption

Renowned messaging platform Telegram has recently launched an in-app browser and a mini app store for its users. The new browser integrates decentralized websites

Renowned messaging platform Telegram has recently introduced an in-app browser and a mini app store for its users. This development marks a significant step in the platform's efforts to integrate Web3 technologies and cater to the growing demand for decentralized applications.

The new browser, which is now available to Telegram users, integrates decentralized websites known as TON Sites. These sites are hosted on the Open Network (TON) blockchain instead of traditional servers, and they utilize URLs ending in “.ton” (e.g., http://foundation.ton). By leveraging the TON blockchain, these sites inherit its decentralization and security properties.

This newly launched in-app browser enables users to seamlessly navigate between messaging, browsing, and gaming on Telegram without having to switch between multiple applications. It features essential browsing capabilities like search, bookmarks, and multiple tabs.

Crucially, the browser's support for TON Sites introduces the concept of a decentralized web to Telegram's vast user base of 950 million globally, thereby facilitating broader adoption of Web3 technologies.

Along with the new browser, the platform has also announced the launch of the Mini App Store, a dedicated space where all Telegram-based mini apps are collectively displayed. This feature caters to the platform's 500 million monthly users who actively interact with these apps.

Recently, crypto exchange OKX also utilized this growing trend by launching a free-to-play Telegram mini app game called OKX Racer. This game allows users to earn crypto by completing levels and collecting items.

In another development, Telegram has introduced a new ‘Apps’ tab in its Search function, which showcases frequently used and trending mini apps. This includes popular apps like Catizens and Notcoin. This integration simplifies user access to games and services while also aiding in the discovery of new ones.

Furthermore, developers can now share video demonstrations and screenshots for their mini apps, providing users with a better understanding of the app's features and gameplay.

Moreover, users can now gift Stars (launched in June), the units of the mini-app payment system, to their contacts. This new functionality directs users to the Mini App Store, where they can explore apps that accept Stars. These Stars can be used as a payment method for exclusive content in channels or to buy digital goods in mini apps.

The Telegram community, which includes a large number of crypto investors, has massively welcomed the announcement. Many have stated that such updates will lead to the mass adoption of decentralized Web3 technology in the near future.

Rising Popularity of TON

The launch comes as Telegram-based games are gaining immense popularity, with many of them utilizing the TON blockchain's native token, Toncoin (TON). This includes the Web3 tap-to-earn game Catizen and Hamster Kombat, which is preparing for its own token HMSTR airdrop. Other popular games include the Web3 tap-to-earn game Hamster Kombat, which is preparing for its own token airdrop, Yescoin, a swipe-to-earn game, and TapSwap, a Telegram clicker game.

Toncoin itself has shown impressive performance, currently trading at $6.8. The token has seen a 2% rise in the past seven days and a huge surge of over 470% in the past year, which reflects its strong position in the market.

TON has a market cap of $17.1 billion, having more than doubled in just five months. The token currently ranks 9th among the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.