The Bluesky social media platform is an exciting social media project built on a decentralized infrastructure called Authenticated Transport (AT for short). Bluesky is aiming to provide a platform that gives social media users complete control over their digital identities through a secure, privacy-centric online ecosystem.1 This initiative dovetails with web3’s ethos of user empowerment and equitable digital infrastructures, endeavoring to decentralize traditional power dynamics embedded in online platforms.
One of Bluesky’s unique features is the ability to use custom domains as social media handles. By leveraging your existing domain name as a digital identifier, this enhancement simplifies the process for others to discover and engage with you.
We’ve built upon this feature to give you the ability to use your eth.xyz profile as your Bluesky handle! For those that aren’t familiar, eth.xyz is an innovative service that simplifies sharing Ethereum Name Service (ENS) profiles and their connected Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collections. It transforms complex Ethereum addresses into easily shareable URLs ending in .xyz, promoting a smoother interaction with digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain that works in any browser. For example, if you own helloxyz.eth, then you automatically have a profile at helloxyz.eth.xyz!
To add your eth.xyz profile as your Bluesky handle, you need to own a .eth name and have an existing Bluesky profile. If you own a .eth name, you automatically have an eth.xyz profile. If you follow the below steps, your eth.xyz profile can be used as your social media handle in Bluesky:
If you would like more information on the custom domain process in Bluesky, read our previous blog post: “How to use a custom .xyz or .LOL domain as your Bluesky handle for less than a pack of Skittles.”
Be prepared to pay the required gas fees for the transaction to be processed on the Ethereum blockchain.
By linking your eth.xyz profile (and any other custom domain) to Bluesky, you’re partaking in an emerging shift in online representation. Bluesky’s ability to connect domains to user handles exemplifies the continued importance of domain names as calling cards in our digital world. Rather than just serving as website addresses, Bluesky’s approach affirms that domains, like eth.xyz profiles, can be reflective of individual digital identities. This integration illustrates the continuously expanding roles that domain names play in our online interactions and self-presentation.
1.https://decrypt.co/112332/jack-dorsey-founded-bluesky-unveils-roadmap-for-decentralized-social-network
Architect.xyz – Sav.com customer – (United States)
Developers are using .xyz domains to launch innovative decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and cryptocurrency solutions. NFT payment solution NFTpay.xyz aims to help you quickly buy NFTs with a credit card. Ethereum-based cryptocurrency wallet Argent.xyz combines a simple interface with leading security features in an effort to offer a better overall experience for crypto traders. Crypto-focused company Alongside.xyz is aimed at helping investors diversify their portfolios. In this week’s #BlockchainThursday, we’ll introduce you to a platform aimed at helping firms and large traders confidently participate in the crypto market: Architect.xyz.
Architect.xyz is the online home of Architect, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform aimed at streamlining the crypto market structure. As they claim on Architect.xyz, their technology “facilitates tens of billions of dollars in daily trading volume at microsecond latency, while managing clearing, settlement, and risk at scale.” Architect provides solutions designed to facilitate easier and safer access to decentralized protocols and centralized exchanges for trading firms, hedge funds, and professional investors. In January 2023, it was reported that Architect raised $5 million in a seed round funding, with backing from investors such as Coinbase Ventures and Circle Ventures.
The platform offers a range of products designed for trading in global markets, covering both traditional derivatives and digital assets. Traditional derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from commodities, stocks, bonds, or currencies. Examples of traditional derivatives include futures contracts, options contracts, and swaps. Digital assets are digital representations of value that exist on a blockchain or distributed ledger technology, such as cryptocurrency or utility tokens. Architect’s suite of products offers traders automated and manual trading tools, smart order routing, pre-built algorithms, and simplified access to digital asset platforms and decentralized protocols. These solutions are aimed at helping traders efficiently navigate both the traditional derivatives market and the world of digital assets.
Architect’s infrastructure is designed to meet the high standards of performance and security required by investment banks, high-frequency trading firms, and exchanges. Architect’s software runs directly on your computer, aimed at keeping your sensitive information secure and private by encrypting it locally. This can help to limit risk of information leakage, security breaches, or unnecessary delays. The platform claims the suite of tools can be customized to integrate with your firm’s existing internal systems.
The team behind Architect brings together decades of experience in building large-scale distributed systems and trading infrastructure within the financial industry. Founder and CEO Brett Harrison spent eleven years managing the teams that create and manage the computer systems and tools used to trade stocks at high frequency trading firms. He held positions such as Head of Trading Systems Technology at trading firm Jane Street and Head of Semi-Systematic Technology at capital markets firm Citadel Securities. Brett also worked less than 18 months at cryptocurrency exchange FTX – resigning before it collapsed, after noticing signs of trouble. Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Eric Stokes also worked at Jane Street, where he developed core trading infrastructure and managed technology groups for the company’s London and Hong Kong offices.
Architect aims to help institutional investors confidently participate in the crypto market. We are inspired by their goals and look forward to further developments. You can learn more by following the platform on Twitter @Architect_xyz and by visiting Architect.xyz.
AdrianMa.xyz – Squarespace customer – (United States)
The .xyz community is home to skilled professionals using .xyz domains to develop their online presence and showcase their career highlights. Accomplished writer and book editor Jackson Howard uses JacksonHoward.xyz to display his writing samples. New York-based multi-talented creative Talia Goddess uses TaliaGoddess.xyz to share her music, merchandise, and music videos. Entertainer Ace Anderson uses AceofAllTrades.xyz to showcase his accomplishments. In this week’s #WebsiteWednesday, we’ll introduce you to a reporter and podcast co-host who shares his work using a “FirstNameLastName.xyz” domain: AdrianMa.xyz.
AdrianMa.xyz is the personal website of Boston-based Adrian Ma, a reporter and co-host for NPR’s daily economics podcast, “The Indicator from Planet Money.”1 Prior to his role at NPR, Adrian gained experience working at public radio stations WBUR in Boston, WCPN in Cleveland, and WNYC in New York. Adrian’s journalistic pursuits revolve around understanding the dynamic nature of our economy through immersive experiences, such as accompanying an Amazon driver on their route.2 As he shares on AdrianMa.xyz, Adrian’s passion for journalism originated during his studies of media law at the University of Maryland School of Law. While working for a federal judge in Baltimore, Adrian decided to pivot. In 2016, he obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. Adrian’s work has earned several prestigious awards, including:
Adrian’s collection of work examples are easy to explore with his simple and informative website design. By clicking on the Work link, visitors can explore a gallery of Adrian’s earlier projects, including many projects with NPR, and features from his early days as a staff reporter for WBUR Boston news station. Check out “The economic effects of being denied an abortion”7, a 9-minute audio piece for NPR that examines the long-term economic consequences faced by women who were denied access to abortions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. You can also check out “Boston gets billions in home loans, but white areas get ‘much bigger piece of the pie,”8 a feature for WBUR Boston about the disparity in investment and access to homeownership between predominantly white and predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Using a FirstNameLastName.xyz domain like AdrianMa.xyz can help make it easier for Adrian and his accomplishments to be discoverable online. Anyone who Googles “Adrian Ma” will see AdrianMa.xyz near the top of the search results page (as of July 19, 2023). With a professional website using a domain name that matches your full name, it’s more likely that your website will show up in relevant results. There is further benefit in a domain like AdrianMa.xyz for your personal website. Adrian’s content and layout is not limited by any third-party platform constraints. He can use his website as his own online hub helping him link out to all his podcast and journalism work, and maintain complete control over how he presents the information. We are proud to have Adrian among the thriving .xyz community of skilled professionals. You can learn more by following him on Twitter and LinkedIn, and by visiting AdrianMa.xyz.
1. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510325/the-indicator-from-planet-money
2. https://www.npr.org/2020/01/28/800620890/weird-amazon-flex-but-okay
3. https://www.rtdna.org/content/2022_rtdna_edward_r_murrow_awards_national_honorees
4. https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/01/21/kitchen-cafe-boston-closes-doors-covid-economy
5. https://pmja.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PMJA-2021-Winners-List.pdf
6. https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-extra/2019/04/16/713912839/npr-work-recognized-by-gracie-awards
7. https://www.npr.org/2022/07/06/1110182026/the-economic-effects-of-being-denied-an-abortion
8. https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/03/31/boston-home-lending-neighborhood-data
Museverse.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (Czech Republic)
AI and blockchain developers are using .xyz domains to leverage the latest technologies and develop useful solutions. NFT platform Revel.xyz is aimed at providing users with a new tool for generating AI-powered animated avatars. Tech startup Spice.xyz’s AI platform aims to make it easy to access and leverage web3 data. AI startup Optic.xyz aims to detect AI-generated media and counterfeit NFTs. In this week’s #AIMonday, we’ll introduce you to a platform that leverages artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain technology to innovate music production: Museverse.xyz.
Museverse.xyz is the online home of Museverse, an AI-powered music production platform. The platform offers an AI assistant that aims to simplify and accelerate sound creation, helping users generate unique sounds based on prompts.
The platform’s AI assistant is designed to assist music creators in their production journey. It offers several tools and functionalities that can be integrated with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs). Some of the key features of the AI assistant include:
One of the notable aspects of Museverse is its commitment to ensuring user ownership and privacy. The platform claims that the generated music pieces are royalty-free. This means users can freely use their creations in their projects and retain the copyrights to the content they create. Additionally, Museverse states in their FAQ that private user data will not be shared with other users, and it is protected by theirEnd User License Agreement (EULA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
For those interested in exploring the capabilities of the Museverse AI assistant, early access is available. By following the website’s Call to Action (CTA), users can join the waitlist and enjoy 14 days of free access. Museverse.xyz will send notifications via email when the platform is officially launched.
Looking ahead, Museverse.xyz has outlined a roadmap that includes several AI-driven features and long-term focuses:
Museverse is led by Patrik Gudev, who serves as the CEO and Co-founder. Patrik is also the founder of Revo Music, a music tech company focused on innovative technologies in music production and sample pack creation. Co-founder Matej Zimák has previous experience as a Portfolio Manager at Miton C, a Prague-based VC fund specializing in web3 and crypto projects. We are inspired by the innovation demonstrated by Patrik and Matej. Much like .xyz aims to reshape the future of the internet, Museverse.xyz aims to shape the future of music production. You can learn more by following the platform on Twitter @Museverse_xyz and LinkedIn, and by visiting Museverse.xyz.
Otherlife.xyz – GoDaddy customer – (Canada)
Forward-thinking web3 businesses are embracing .xyz domains and upgrading to domain names that signal expansion. Financial services company Square, Inc. rebranded to Block.xyz to acknowledge their growth beyond their Square product. Fintech company Party Round rebranded to Capital.xyz with a goal of continuing to help startups raise money with new, additional features. Web3 company TAIKAI Labs rebranded to LayerX.xyz with a focus on connecting web3 developers and organizations to create innovative solutions. In this week’s #BlockchainThursday, we’ll introduce you to a newly rebranded web3 creative agency acquired by crypto payment service Moonpay: Otherlife.xyz.
Otherlife.xyz is the online home of newly named web3 creative agency Otherlife (previously Nightshift). In January 2023, leading crypto payments company MoonPay acquired the agency as part of its plan to establish itself as a one-stop shop for brands interested in expanding to crypto, collectible tokens, and metaverse activities.1 By joining forces, MoonPay and Otherlife now offer end-to-end support for big brands, helping them execute a full strategy in the web3 space. The rebranded Otherlife continues to serve its existing portfolio of brand customers, including Adobe, Shopify, and Arsenal Football Club, while also providing services to MoonPay’s clients.2
The creative agency offers a range of creative services to meet various needs in the digital landscape. Here are services provided by Otherlife as indicated on their website:
On the agency’s Work page, you can view a sampling of the innovative projects they’ve developed. For example, Otherlife worked with haircare and beauty products company Wella Professionals to develop The Wella Generator project3, a gamified sweepstakes experience with web3 integration. Otherlife provided a range of services for this project, including art direction, illustration, 3D animation, NFT design, and web design. The Wella Generator provided an opportunity for participants to potentially win collectible NFTs as bonus prizes, along with redeemable beauty prizes through the Wella Wheel. By spinning the digital prize wheel on a daily basis, participants had the opportunity to accumulate a collection of bespoke web3 bonus gifts.
The leadership team at Otherlife consists of Michael Perrow, co-founder and CEO, and Michael Moodie, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer (CCO). Prior to his role at Otherlife, Michael Perrow held positions as the Head of Business Development at independent electronic music label Monstercat, and as a VP at blockchain infrastructure company Hut 8 Mining Corp. Before joining Otherlife, Michael Moodie worked in Acquisition and Engagement at Amazon Prime Video. We look forward to seeing more of Otherlife’s innovative web3 projects. You can learn more by following the platform on Instagram @otherlife.xyz, Twitter @Otherlifexyz, Linkedin, and by visiting Otherlife.xyz.
1. https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-payments-company-moonpay-acquiring-web3-creative-agency-nightshift-rebranding-as-otherlife.htm
2. https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-payments-company-moonpay-acquiring-web3-creative-agency-nightshift-rebranding-as-otherlife.htm
3. https://wella.coveteur.com/
