Telegram, the popular messaging platform, just dropped a massive update that's less about sliding into your DMs and more about sliding a whole web browser into your chat app.
It's a power move that screams, "Why leave Telegram when you can do everything here?" And by everything, they mean everything — including Web3, because why not throw that into the mix?
New In-App Browser with Web3 Support
One of the most notable additions is Telegram's new in-app browser, which supports multiple tabs and allows users to seamlessly switch between messages, websites, instant view articles, and mini apps. The browser's integration of Web3 technology is groundbreaking, making decentralized websites hosted on TON (The Open Network) accessible to Telegram's vast user base of nearly one billion monthly active users.
This move brings Web3 capabilities to a mainstream audience, allowing users to interact directly with decentralized applications and services within the Telegram app. The browser is available across all mobile and native desktop applications, ensuring wide accessibility.
Mini App Store
Recognizing the growing popularity of mini apps, with over 500 million users engaging with them monthly, Telegram has introduced a dedicated 'Apps' tab in the search interface. This new Mini App Store showcases frequently used and popular mini apps, making it easier for users to discover and access a wide range of services and games.
Developers have been given new tools to promote their mini apps, including uploading video demos and screenshots. Additionally, mini apps can generate custom story content, such as AI-generated videos or leaderboard snapshots, which users can share directly as Telegram Stories. This feature will boost engagement and virality for mini apps within the Telegram ecosystem.
Gifting Stars and New Multimedia Features
The update also introduces the ability to gift Telegram Stars to friends. Stars, which can be used to purchase digital goods in mini apps or access paid content in channels, can now be sent as gifts, emphasizing users celebrating birthdays.
Several multimedia enhancements have been included in the update. Video messages now feature a front flash option for low-light recording. At the same time, Stories have been enriched with a new weather widget and the ability to choose custom cover frames for video stories.
Desktop Improvements
Telegram's desktop application for macOS has received significant attention in this update. The new browser on macOS now supports tabs for games, mini apps, instant view pages, and Web3 TON sites, providing a more integrated and efficient user experience on desktop platforms.
This comprehensive update underscores Telegram's commitment to innovation and its ambition to become more than just a messaging app. By integrating Web3 technologies, enhancing its mini app ecosystem, and improving multimedia capabilities, Telegram is positioning itself as a multifaceted platform catering to a wide range of user needs and preferences.
As these features roll out to users worldwide, observing how they impact user engagement and whether they attract new users to the platform will be interesting. Integrating Web3 functionalities could play a significant role in bringing blockchain and decentralized technologies to a broader audience.