Telegram lowers barriers to entry for new users into web3 with new in-app browser and decentralized website

Telegram introduces a new in-app browser supporting decentralised websites, known as “TON Sites”.

These are now accessible on both mobile and desktop platforms. This integration enables Telegram's vast user base of 950 million to access Web3 functionalities seamlessly.

According to Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, users can now easily toggle between browsing websites and messaging, merging communication with content consumption.

New Mini App Store and Payments

The platform has also rolled out a Mini App store, alongside a new feature allowing users to send "Stars" through the Mini App payment system. This update marks Telegram's continued expansion into Web3 services, with over half a billion users already engaging with Mini Apps monthly.

Telegram Crypto Game Is Hot

Among the noteworthy Mini Apps is "Hamster Kombat," a crypto game with over 300 million players since its launch. Players earn tokens by interacting with the game, which features a virtual crypto exchange. Another app, "Catizen," has attracted 26 million players and generated $16 million in in-app purchases, with a portion of the revenue dedicated to rescuing stray cats.

A major milestone for the TON ecosystem

The Open Network (TON) blockchain is also seeing significant developments. The TON Core team, in collaboration with Tonkeeper, has launched the W5 smart wallet standard. This initiative includes a feature for gasless transactions, simplifying the process for new users who can now engage with the TON ecosystem without needing to acquire Toncoin upfront.