According to The Block, Southeast Asian ride-hailing platform TADA has partnered with the TON Foundation to launch a new Telegram mini-app. The mini-app allows users to book rides directly on Telegram and pay on the TON blockchain using Toncoin or USDT.

TADA mini enables Web3 users to book a ride directly on Telegram, without the need for additional registration or app downloads, and can pay with Toncoin or on the TON blockchain.

Harvey Kim, Head of TON Foundation Korea, said: “If we want to accelerate the successful adoption of Web3 solutions, it is critical to establish strong partnerships with exciting Web2 platforms so that users can quickly become familiar with the many benefits of Web3. This collaboration is an important milestone for us as we look to continue to drive growth for the TON blockchain in Southeast Asia.”

To showcase the new service, the two organizations plan to offer 4,000 free rides during the TOKEN2049 crypto conference taking place in Singapore from September 14 to 18.

James Yang, CIO of MVL (TADA's parent company), said: "At TADA, we have always focused on innovations that benefit both riders and drivers. TADA mini not only simplifies the process of hailing a ride, but also prepares for the future by using digital assets in real-world applications. Looking ahead, TADA mini plans to expand into new regions with the aim of making this service available to a wider audience."

Founded in 2018, TADA currently operates in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, with plans to expand to Hong Kong by the end of this year.

Telegram launches mini app store amid TON blockchain-related click-through game craze Telegram Mini Apps are lightweight web-based applications that can be embedded and accessed directly within the popular messaging platform.

Telegram has expanded its influence in the crypto space in recent days, with millions of gamers using the messaging app to play click-to-earn games such as Hamster Kombat, Notcoin, and Yescoin in the hope of earning corresponding tokens on the TON blockchain.

To capitalize on the explosive growth of these games, Telegram also launched a mini app store and a built-in browser for Web3 pages in July.