Telegram, the crypto-friendly social messaging platform, has ventured into the Web3 world. It announced the launch of a new in-app browser that supports decentralized websites. These websites, known as 'TON Sites,' are now accessible to Telegram's almost one billion monthly users.

TON Sites: Bridging Communication and Web3

According to Telegram's team, TON Sites are designed to integrate seamlessly with mobile and desktop app versions.

This development allows users to launch a web server with their website, making it available on The Open Network (TON). Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, highlighted the browser's ability to effortlessly switch between viewing websites and messaging.

He noted, "This makes Web3 immediately available to our almost one billion monthly users."

Introducing the Mini App Store

Alongside the browser, Telegram has launched its much-anticipated Mini App store. This platform promises to enhance user experience by offering a variety of apps. Among the most popular is Hamster Kombat, a crypto game that has taken the community by storm.

In just four months, it has surpassed 300 million players, becoming the third-fastest app to reach 150 million users. Players tap a hamster to earn tokens and upgrade their virtual crypto exchange, providing a unique blend of gaming and crypto.

Another notable app is Catizen, a Web3 social entertainment platform with significant adoption. Since its launch in March, Catizen has amassed 26 million players and generated $16 million from in-app purchases. Impressively, $160,000 of this revenue has been allocated to rescuing stray cats.

TON Ecosystem: A Growing Network

Hamster Kombat and Catizen utilize The Open Network's native cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON). According to CoinGecko data, Toncoin has increased 467% over the last 12 months to $6.78. This surge indicates strong user engagement and confidence in the TON ecosystem.

New Developments in The Open Network

The Open Network blockchain is also seeing rapid advancements. In collaboration with Tonkeeper, the TON Core team recently launched the W5 smart wallet standard.

This new feature introduces gasless transactions, making it easier for new users to engage with the TON ecosystem without first acquiring Toncoin.

Tonkeeper's CEO, Oleg Andreev, stated that this move substantially lowers the barriers to entry, further democratizing access to crypto technologies.