Ride-hailing platform TADA launches Telegram mini app, enabling bookings in TON or USDT

Southeast Asia ride-hailing platform TADA has collaborated with TON +3.25% Foundation to launch a Telegram mini app, dubbed TADA mini.

TADA mini enables web3 users to book rides directly on Telegram without requiring additional sign-ups or app downloads and pay using Toncoin or USDT +0.013% on TON blockchain, according to a statement shared with The Block.

“If we want to accelerate the successful adoption of web3 solutions, it’s crucial that strong partnerships are forged with exciting web2 platforms that enable their users to quickly become familiar with the many benefits of web3,” Harvey Kim, Head of Korea at TON Foundation, said. “This partnership is a key milestone for us, as we look to continue TON blockchain’s growth across Southeast Asia.”

To demonstrate the new service, the organizations plan to host 4,000 complimentary rides during the TOKEN2049 crypto conference in Singapore from Sept. 14 to 18.

"At TADA, we’ve always focused on innovations that benefit both riders and drivers. TADA mini not only simplifies ride-hailing but also prepares for the future by enabling the use of digital assets in real-world applications. Looking ahead, TADA mini plans to expand into new regions, aiming to provide this service to a wider audience,” James Yang, CIO of MVL, the parent company of TADA said.

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

Telegram introduces mini app store amid TON blockchain-related clicker 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 crypto footprint in recent months, with millions of gamers using the messaging app to play tap-to-earn games like Hamster Kombat, Notcoin and Yescoin in the hope of earning corresponding tokens on TON blockchain.

Capitalizing on explosive growth for the games, Telegram also introduced a mini-app store and an in-app browser with support for web3 pages in July.