Telegram Introduces Browser with Web3 Support, Mini App Store, and More

Timothy Morano Aug 01, 2024 03:15

Telegram's latest update includes a new in-app browser with Web3 support, a Mini App Store, and features like gifting Stars to friends.

Telegram has rolled out a substantial update that integrates a new in-app browser supporting Web3, a Mini App Store, and multiple new features aimed at enhancing user experience, according to Telegram.

The newly introduced in-app browser supports multiple tabs and decentralized websites hosted on The Open Network (TON). This feature allows users to seamlessly switch between messages and web content, including instant view articles and mini apps. The browser is available on both mobile and native desktop apps, making Web3 accessible to nearly one billion monthly users.

Telegram has also launched a Mini App Store, accessible via a new 'Apps' tab in the search menu. This store showcases a list of popular mini apps and games, with over 500 million users interacting with these apps monthly. Developers can now upload video demos and screenshots to offer previews of their mini apps.

Mini apps now have the capability to generate custom story content, such as AI-generated videos, achievements, or leaderboard snapshots, which users can share as Telegram Stories. This new feature aims to help apps spread more effectively among users' contacts.

Telegram Stars, the platform's digital currency, can now be gifted to friends. Users can purchase stars as gifts via the 'Settings > My Stars' menu. Those celebrating their birthday will appear at the top of the gifting list, and the gifted stars will show up as animated gift boxes in chats.

Other notable additions include a front flash for video messages, an animated weather widget for stories, and the ability to choose cover photos for video stories. The macOS version of Telegram now supports new browser tabs that can handle websites, mini apps, instant view pages, and Web3 ton-sites.

These updates are part of Telegram's ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and functionality. The platform continues to evolve, adding new features and capabilities to meet the needs of its diverse user base.