San Francisco – Web browser developer Brave recently announced that its latest version of the browser has integrated its own on-chain domain Name system Brave Name, becoming the world’s first mainstream browser to achieve this function. This innovation aims to simplify users’ memory and access to blockchain addresses and promote the popularization of Web3 applications.
The core functions and technical features of Brave Name
Brave Name is built based on blockchain technology, allowing users to map complex cryptocurrency addresses (such as ETH, BTC wallet addresses) to memorable English domain names (such as “user.brave”). Users only need to enter the domain name in the address bar of the Brave browser to directly transfer funds to the corresponding address or access decentralized applications (Dapps), without the need to copy and paste lengthy hash strings anymore.
Technically, Brave Name adopts the PoST (Proof of Space and Time) consensus mechanism and ensures the security and immutability of domain name ownership through a distributed storage network. The domain name registration process is completely decentralized. Users can complete the registration directly through the Brave Wallet, and the cost is only 10% to 20% of that of the traditional domain name system.
Drive the innovation of Web3 entry points
Brendan Eich, the CEO of Brave, said that the traditional Web2 domain Name system is controlled by a few centralized institutions, while the launch of Brave Name aims to “build a more open and user-autonomous Web3 addressing system”. He gave an example, saying that creators can build their personal brands through Brave Name (such as “artim.brave”), directly receive cryptocurrency rewards from fans, and avoid platform commissions. Developers can assign memorable domain names to Dapps, lowering the usage threshold for ordinary users.
Data shows that the Brave browser currently has over 65 million monthly active users. This functional update may accelerate its transformation into a Web3 infrastructure service provider. Crypto analytics platform Nansen pointed out that the on-chain domain name market has grown rapidly in recent years, with transaction volume exceeding 500 million US dollars in 2023. However, the penetration rate among mainstream users is still less than 5%. With the advantage of browser traffic, Brave is expected to bring this digital asset class to a broader user group.
Industry impact and challenges
Brave’s move is regarded as a complement rather than a competition to existing on-chain domain Name projects (such as Ethereum Name Service,ENS). William Jones, the head of the ENS Foundation, said that more participants are welcome to join the ecosystem. “Interoperability among different protocols will be the key to the success of Web3 addressing systems.” Brave has announced technical compatibility with projects such as ENS and Unstoppable Domains, allowing users to resolve domains of other protocols directly within the Brave browser.
However, the popularization of on-chain domain names still faces two major challenges: The first is the cost of user education. The majority of ordinary netizens still have a blank understanding of blockchain domain names. The second issue is regulatory uncertainty. In some countries, the legal status of decentralized domain names has not yet been clearly defined. Brave plans to gradually overcome these obstacles by launching the “Domain Name Giveaway Program” and establishing a localized compliance team.
As Web3 moves from technological experimentation to mainstream applications, the competition among browsers as user entry points becomes increasingly fierce. By integrating its own on-chain domain names, Brave not only enhances product differentiation but also attempts to secure a strategic position in the infrastructure layer of the decentralized Internet. Whether this innovation can lead the industry trend is worth continuous attention.
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