Developers of mini applications on the messaging platform Telegram can now swap Telegram Stars for Toncoin, the native token of The Open Network, or discounted Telegram advertisements. 

The move comes nearly a month after Telegram first introduced Stars, which are exchangeable virtual points, in early June. Users purchase a certain amount of Stars for fiat currency to use within mini-apps, and now developers have an avenue for swapping them for cryptocurrency. 

"Bot developers offering digital goods and services and creators monetizing their channels with paid posts are now able to use the Telegram Stars they earn to receive rewards in Toncoin or buy Telegram Ads," Telegram wrote in a June 30 blog post. "Telegram takes practically no commission from transactions in Stars, so …