Telegram Launches Web3 Browser “Telegram Browser” and Mini App Store

Telegram, the widely-used messaging app, has unveiled a new integrated browser that supports Web3, the decentralized internet built on blockchain technology.

Introducing the Telegram Browser

The launch of Telegram Browser, a new browser with Web3 support, is set to enhance the user experience on the platform significantly. It also opens up a world of opportunities for developers and users interested in decentralized web technologies. This innovative milestone is bringing one of the most significant technological advancements of our time to nearly a billion people worldwide. With this update, Telegram is positioning itself as a key player in the mass adoption and evolution of blockchain technology and Web3.

Just launched Telegram Browser, opening the world of TON-based Web3 for a ∼billion users https://t.co/y1k33t9qXZ

— Pavel Durov (@durov) July 31, 2024

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, highlighted the importance of the new browser, stating, “The most important thing is that the Telegram Browser allows people to view decentralized websites called TON Sites. This opens up the world of blockchain-based web (often called Web 3.0) to nearly a billion users. To try it out, update Telegram and open a link (such as tonsite://getting-started.ton).”

Web3 Browser and App Store Integration

The recent update to Telegram includes an integrated browser that allows users to access decentralized web pages based on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, associated with Telegram. This new browser not only enables users to open multiple tabs but also facilitates seamless navigation between messages and web content without losing track of conversations.

The integration of the Web3-supported browser within the Telegram app means users can switch between their chats and the decentralized web smoothly, significantly enhancing the user experience.

The Telegram developers explained in their blog that the new browser supports websites hosted on the TON network, representing a crucial advancement for the adoption of the decentralized web by Telegram’s 950 million registered users worldwide. Experts have commented that through this launch, Telegram is not only seeking to democratize access to Web3 but also positioning itself as a bridge between the traditional internet and new blockchain-based technologies.

The ability to add bookmarks and receive notifications while browsing also contributes to a richer and more dynamic user experience.

Hundreds of Mini Apps for Millions of Users

In addition to the Web3 browser launch, Telegram has also introduced a mini app store within its messaging application, allowing its millions of users to easily discover and use a wide range of apps within the platform. The store not only offers access to popular mini apps but also enables developers to showcase their creations through videos and screenshots, facilitating interaction and the discovery of new tools.

Currently, more than half of Telegram’s users, around 500 million people, interact with mini apps each month. The launch of this store allows Telegram to create a vibrant ecosystem that combines messaging, games, and decentralized applications in one place. Users can now gift stars to their friends, who will be directed to the Mini App Store to see examples of apps that accept stars. To view the mini app catalog, go to the “Apps” tab in Search. “We are proud to launch this. Try it all yourself or watch the demos. Enjoy your summer vacation: we will keep developing,” said Durov.

Easy and Immediate Access to Web3 for Millions

As mentioned, Telegram has 950 million users worldwide who can now access the decentralized web easily and immediately. This access is crucial for the mass adoption of blockchain-based solutions and innovations, traditionally seen as complex and difficult for the average user to understand. With Telegram’s intuitive interface, users can now explore decentralized applications, interact with smart contracts, and participate in the digital economy without needing advanced technical knowledge.

The impact of Telegram’s new developments is significant, leading the way toward Web3 adoption. The platform is not just a place for communication and interaction but also a hub of innovation where users can experiment with new technologies, from cryptocurrencies to decentralized applications. This could mark the beginning of a new era where the decentralized web becomes an integral part of people’s daily lives.

The update also includes the ability to gift “stars,” a form of digital currency within the platform, allowing users to purchase services in mini apps or access premium content. This functionality enriches the Telegram user experience and fosters the digital economy, enabling users to interact in new and exciting ways.

New Horizons for TON Network Developers

With the launch of the new browser and mini app store, Telegram is opening new opportunities for developers working on the TON network. These developers can now create applications and reach a massive audience, offering unique experiences that combine messaging and decentralized applications. Telegram announced that mini app developers could present videos and demonstrations of their projects, giving users an idea of what to expect from new developments.

Experts believe developers can benefit greatly from the visibility Telegram offers by showcasing their mini apps in the new store to capture the attention of millions of users worldwide. Telegram has also provided resources and documentation to help developers familiarize themselves with creating decentralized applications on the TON network. This not only facilitates the development process but also encourages more programmers to join the community and explore the possibilities offered by Web3.

Earlier this month, Durov praised Hamster Kombat, another Tap-to-Earn (T2E) game, for its rapid growth. The game incorporated 239 million users in three months, averaging 4-5 million daily. Considering this success, Durov plans to “keep the flame alive” by making Telegram the “epicenter of blockchain social transformation.”

With the support of a robust platform like Telegram and TON, the future of decentralized applications looks promising.

Conclusion

Telegram’s introduction of the Web3-enabled Telegram Browser and Mini App Store marks a significant leap forward in bridging the gap between traditional internet users and decentralized technologies. By integrating these features into its widely-used messaging platform, Telegram not only enhances user experience but also democratizes access to blockchain and Web3 innovations.

This move positions Telegram as a pioneer in the mass adoption of Web3, providing nearly a billion users with easy and immediate access to decentralized web applications and a dynamic mini app ecosystem. As Telegram continues to innovate, it sets the stage for a new era of digital interaction and economic participation.

FAQs

1. What is the Telegram Browser?

The Telegram Browser is an integrated browser within the Telegram messaging app that supports Web3, allowing users to access decentralized websites hosted on The Open Network (TON) blockchain.

2. How do I access Web3 sites using Telegram Browser?

To access Web3 sites, update your Telegram app and open a link with the format tonsite://, such as tonsite://getting-started.ton. This will allow you to explore decentralized websites directly from Telegram.

3. What are TON Sites?

TON Sites are decentralized websites hosted on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. These sites leverage blockchain technology to offer a decentralized, secure, and transparent web experience.

4. What is the Mini App Store in Telegram?

The Mini App Store is a new feature within Telegram that allows users to discover, access, and use a variety of mini applications directly within the messaging platform. It includes a wide range of apps, from games to decentralized tools.

5. How can developers benefit from the Mini App Store?

Developers can showcase their mini apps through the store, using videos and screenshots to attract users. The store provides visibility to millions of Telegram users, offering developers a unique opportunity to reach a massive audience.

6. How many people use Telegram’s mini apps?

Currently, more than 500 million Telegram users interact with mini apps each month, highlighting the popularity and reach of these applications within the platform.

7. Can I receive notifications while using the Telegram Browser?

Yes, the Telegram Browser allows users to receive notifications and add bookmarks while browsing, providing a seamless and enriched user experience.

8. What are the benefits of using the Telegram Browser for Web3?

The Telegram Browser makes it easy for users to access and interact with decentralized web applications without needing advanced technical knowledge. It democratizes access to blockchain technology, making it accessible to nearly a billion users worldwide.

9. How does the Mini App Store enhance user experience?

The Mini App Store enhances user experience by integrating a variety of mini apps directly within Telegram, allowing users to easily discover and use new tools, play games, and interact with decentralized applications without leaving the messaging app.

10. What is the significance of gifting stars in Telegram?

Gifting stars within Telegram is a way to use a form of digital currency to purchase services in mini apps or access premium content. This feature enriches the user experience and promotes interaction within the digital economy on Telegram.