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Innovations and Use Cases:
Web3 closer to mainstream audiences

If you have been following our latest editions, you probably noticed a big focus on use cases for Web3-related solutions.

And that’s not a coincidence.

As much as we love talking about the possibilities and things that might end up moving to Web3 in the future, it’s important to explore actual, current applications - as they can help us onboard the masses while serving as a “testing ground”, so we can learn what works (and what don’t) when it comes to building in this space.

As I have been saying for a while, I love working with start-ups and smaller projects (and I’m working with a few of them right now), but big companies and popular platforms are vital to mainstream adoption → They have both the numbers and the reach to make things happen.

And today, we’ll explore some steps that 3 HUGE brands taking toward adopting Web3 features.

LFG!

Spotlight 1:
Telegram and the masses

“Telegram again, Diego?”

Yes 😄.

I’ve mentioned Telegram in different editions of The Wild West of Web3, including the latest 3.

I have no affiliation whatsoever with them, but we can’t (or shouldn’t) ignore when a massive company like this keeps on making moves that have the potential to onboard millions of users to the Web3 space.

Telegram’s massive user base of nearly 1 BILLION people may become a key player in bringing Web3 to the mainstream. Its recent introduction of a Web3-ready browser and a mini app store within the platform is a bold move towards making decentralized technologies more accessible to the average user.

In their own words:

By embedding Web3 functionalities into its platform, Telegram is lowering the barriers to entry for millions of users who might otherwise find the transition to Web3 intimidating.

And by “intimidating” I really mean that. As discussed in previous editions, many Web3-related products or “solutions” end up being way too complex for the “normies” to give them a shot.

Telegram's strategy is a user-friendly “bridge” into Web3, as it aligns with the needs of a diverse and global user base, many of whom may not have previously interacted with Web3 technologies.

Back in July, Forbes published this article:

In short, it highlights the (very interesting) Telegram’s use of mini-apps: they are essentially lightweight applications embedded within Telegram, and offer a seamless experience for users to engage with decentralized services without even realizing they’re interacting with Web3.

The important part here: “without even realizing they’re interacting with Web3”

By making the experience as frictionless as possible, Telegram is cleverly introducing its users to the benefits of Web3, such as enhanced privacy and ownership, without overwhelming them with the technicalities.

That’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

Spotlight 2:
Apple + USDC (the future of tap-to-pay?)

No matter how much of a fan (or a hater) of Apple you are, when they make a move, the world watches.

This time, it's about Apple’s recent NFC upgrade, which may be setting the stage for something potentially game-changing: tap-to-pay with USDC on iPhones.

In case you are not familiar with crypto lingo, USDC is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, meaning it's designed to maintain a stable value over time.

But why does this matter?

Because it brings cryptocurrency one step closer to becoming part of our everyday transactions.

With this new feature, Apple is integrating the ability to use USDC for tap-to-pay transactions directly through iPhones.
Imagine paying for your morning coffee, groceries, or even that new pink beanie at your favorite store with a stable crypto (so forget that “what about price fluctuation” conversation) → No traditional banks involved, no middlemen—just a direct, secure transaction.

This move by Apple is particularly significant because it simplifies the use of digital currency in everyday life. Up until now, using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum for day-to-day purchases has been more of a “cool thing” than exactly a seamless action.
But with USDC, which is stable and now accessible via Apple’s ecosystem, we’re talking about a digital currency that people might actually start using regularly.

Buuuuuut… 🤣 

It’s important to underline that Apple isn’t directly introducing stablecoins itself. Rather, the company is “just” opening its doors to third-party developers (that will most certainly have to adhere to A LOT of regulatory stuff).

Nevertheless, as I said above about Telegram, we shouldn’t ignore moves like this - and when it’s made by Apple, we must at least pay attention.

So, why should we care? Because this isn’t about tech enthusiasts or early adopters anymore.

Apple’s involvement signals that cryptocurrencies are becoming a serious part of the global financial environment - despite what many people think.
If you’ve ever hesitated to dip your toes into the world of digital currencies, this might be the nudge you need. With Apple making it as easy as tapping your phone, the future of money might be closer than we think.

(And by the way, if you want to read more about stablecoins and Decentralized Finance, check our edition #20).

Spotlight 3:
Samsung + Bringing NFTs to life

One of Samsung’s latest reveals is about integrating NFTs into its latest line of smart TVs, making these digital assets more accessible and engaging for the average consumer.

Samsung's new TV features allow users to display, manage, and even purchase NFTs directly from their TV screens.
So yes, it goes beyond just showcasing digital art → it helps create a more interactive and immersive experience for users.

By bringing NFTs to a device that’s already central to many households, Samsung is helping to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, making the ownership and appreciation of digital art as intuitive as turning on the TV.

Samsung’s initiative highlights the potential for NFTs to become a mainstream part of entertainment and digital ownership.
There’s a whole discussion around how mainstream/important digital art is (or will become), and NFTs play a vital part in it, as they represent the authenticity of a certain item or collection.

(You can read more about “ Web3 and the Art Industry” in our edition #35).

In short, Samsung’s latest TVs become more than just screens → they’re gateways to the world of Web3, bringing the possibilities of NFTs and digital ownership into the the everyday consumer.

Strengthening Security with Ledger Partnership

While Samsung’s integration of NFTs into its TVs is impressive, the company hasn’t overlooked one of the most critical aspects of the Web3 space: security.

To ensure that users can manage their digital assets with confidence, Samsung has strengthened its partnership with Ledger, a leader in secure hardware wallets.

This collaboration brings Ledger’s robust security features directly into Samsung’s ecosystem, offering users an extra layer of protection when interacting with their NFTs and other digital assets.
Users can manage their digital collections with the assurance that their assets are protected by some of the most advanced security measures available.

In short, their bundle includes a Samsung TV, a Ledger Nano X, and some NFT art.
Will this become the norm? → Hard to tell… But at the very least, it’s exciting to see yet another huge company making this kind of move.

Eyes peeled.

See you soon.

#LFGrow
Diego Borgo