Telegram, a leading social messaging platform known for its crypto-friendly stance, has launched a new in-app browser that allows users to access decentralized websites, called “TON Sites.” This feature, available on both mobile and desktop, was announced by Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov on July 31. The browser integrates website browsing with messaging, enhancing the user experience by combining communication and information consumption in one place.
The feature was developed by Telegram’s team and is part of The Open Network (TON) ecosystem. Pavel Durov highlighted that this innovation brings Web3 capabilities directly to Telegram’s vast user base, which includes nearly one billion monthly users. The initiative reflects Telegram’s commitment to expanding the functionalities and services available within its platform.
The announcement was made on July 31, with the new features being immediately available to users. This launch is accompanied by the release of Telegram’s Mini App store, which was scheduled to debut by the end of July.
The introduction of TON Sites allows Telegram users to host their websites on The Open Network, facilitating access to decentralized content. Additionally, Telegram users can now use “Stars,” a currency within the Mini App payment system, to make transactions. The Mini App ecosystem, which engages more than 500 million users each month, features popular applications such as Hamster Kombat and Catizen. These apps leverage The Open Network’s cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON), which has seen a substantial increase in value.
Telegram’s move to incorporate decentralized websites and expand its Mini App offerings underscores its efforts to stay at the forefront of digital innovation. The platform’s ecosystem has seen rapid growth, with Hamster Kombat surpassing 300 million players and Catizen gaining 26 million users since its launch. Toncoin, the network’s native cryptocurrency, has risen 467% over the past year, reflecting the growing interest and adoption of decentralized applications.
The new in-app browser for decentralized websites marks a significant step in making Web3 technologies more accessible to a broader audience. The recent introduction of the W5 smart wallet standard by the TON Core team, in collaboration with Tonkeeper, includes features like gasless transactions, further lowering the entry barriers for new users. This development aims to democratize access to decentralized services and enhance the utility of the Telegram platform, positioning it as a key player in the evolving digital landscape.
