Telegram Introduces Mini App Store; Hamster Kombat Gains Popularity

In Brief:

Telegram announced a mini app store and an in-app browser with support for web3 pages to enhance its blockchain initiatives.

Popular tap-to-earn crypto games like Hamster Kombat, Notcoin, and Yescoin have driven significant user engagement on the Telegram platform.

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Telegram Unveils Mini App Store and Web3 Browser Amid Crypto Game Surge

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Telegram's Blockchain Push

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has revealed ambitious plans to expand the app's blockchain capabilities. In a recent post on his Telegram channel, Durov declared, "2024 will be remembered as the year when blockchain reached the masses, with Telegram at the forefront of this transformation."

Introduction of Mini App Store and Web3 Browser

As part of these initiatives, Telegram will launch a mini app store and an in-app browser that supports web3 pages.

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These new features are designed to enhance user interaction with blockchain technology. The Open Network (TON) blockchain, closely integrated with Telegram, has seen a rapid increase in users, particularly through tap-to-earn crypto games like Hamster Kombat, Notcoin, and Yescoin. Notcoin alone facilitated the creation of over 1 million wallets during its token event.

Growth of TON Blockchain and Security Enhancements

The TON blockchain's total value locked (TVL) has seen significant growth, surpassing $300 million in May and now standing at over $760 million, according to DeFiLlama. Toncoin, the native token of the TON network, has increased in value from just over $2.30 at the start of the year to more than $7.00.

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With approximately 900 million users worldwide, Telegram is a key platform for those involved in the crypto space.

Durov also announced measures to enhance security and combat fraud on the platform. "We will intensify our efforts to protect users from scammers targeting new crypto enthusiasts," he stated. Telegram will soon display the registration month and principal country for public accounts, similar to Instagram.

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Additionally, organizations will be able to use mini apps to issue verification labels for channels, creating a decentralized marketplace for third-party verification.