Pavel Durov Unveils 10 New Features for Telegram Mini-Apps

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced 10 new features for mini-apps, which “will allow developers to create dozens of new applications and games within the messenger.”

These include:

1. full-screen mode;
2. home screen shortcuts;
3. subscription plans;
4. access to geolocation;
5. device orientation data;
6. access to emoji status;
7. media file sharing;
8. sending gifts;
9. extended message sending limits;
10. advertising monetization.

The last two features are already operational, Durov noted. The rest will be launched “within two to four weeks.”

Decline in Popularity of “Tapaloks”

Telegram has become a popular platform for launching gaming applications within the messenger and a growth driver for the TON network. Many projects have chosen this blockchain for token issuance.

One of the most talked-about was Hamster Kombat, which reached 300 million users.

In early July, Durov described the game as an “internet phenomenon” and “the fastest-growing digital service in the world.”

Following what many players considered an “unsuccessful” token sale and listing of HMSTR, the project lost 260 million users.

The token’s price fell by more than 70% since trading began on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Cross-Chain Development of TON

TON Accelerator, in collaboration with Mantle, has launched the Synergy initiative, a $5 million effort to promote cross-chain innovations between TON and EVM networks.

The campaign aims to create “seamless integration between TON users and adaptive EVM blockchains.”

“[…] Supported by TON Ventures and Mantle EcoFund, Synergy enables founders and developers to leverage the unparalleled reach of the TON ecosystem, connecting over 950 million Telegram users with $90 billion in cross-chain liquidity, unlocking innovation and commercial opportunities for cross-chain projects,” the blog states.

In addition to the $5 million in funding, participants are promised support in key areas such as product development, technical integration, and market entry strategy.

“Mantle has demonstrated its expertise in creating cross-chain applications, driving innovation and providing high-quality solutions through successful projects like Catizen,” noted the TON Accelerator team.

TON Accelerator has called on “visionary creators ready to unlock the potential of Telegram’s reach” to develop products in areas such as:

• DeFi — lending projects, trading, derivatives;
• infrastructure — wallets, aggregators, custodians;
• personalized solutions for liquid staking;
• cross-chain games;
• and any other unique projects facilitating interaction between different blockchains.

Earlier in November, Telegram developers introduced accelerated loading and improved video quality, along with several other features in a new update.

Meanwhile, the TON Foundation has launched a new governance model, Society DAO. The initiative aims to further decentralization, transparency, inclusivity, autonomy, and competition.

In October, Durov announced the conversion of a limited number of gifts into NFTs on the TON blockchain later this year. Users will be able to trade them outside of Telegram.