After a busy January, the XYZ Team finally got a chance to catch their breath before hosting an event of our own later this month. However, that doesn’t mean that we didn’t go anywhere in February! Check out our RSA recap and a list of events to look forward to in March.
The RSA Conference took place in San Francisco last month, and Team XYZ was in attendance representing .Security and .Protection domains. RSA is one of the leading cyber-security conferences in the world, with over 45,000 security professionals in attendance this year.
The event gave the XYZ Team a chance to meet with businesses and industry insiders about the benefits and best practices for .Security and .Protection. More importantly, this was an opportunity for XYZ to further establish itself in the cyber-security space. It’s already well-known that XYZ takes a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of abuse, including spamming, phishing, malware, and other illegal activities. But did you know that .xyz has a lower abuse score than TLDs like .com, .net, and .info? In fact, according to nTLDstats, there is less than 0.03% abuse in the .xyz zone!
Screenshots & stats from www.spamhaus.org/statistics/tlds, March 5, 2017
We’re very proud of the industry-leading abuse mitigation tool we’ve developed and couldn’t help but to show it off to some of the experts we met at RSA. We explained that by proactively monitoring our zone and analyzing over 100 data points from respected sources like Google and Spamhaus, .xyz has become a safe, reputable namespace that people can confidently conduct business in.
Missed us at RSA? Abuse experts and researchers are encouraged to contact us to discuss partnership opportunities and ways to make the internet safer.
South by Southwest (SXSW) is just around the corner, and the #XYZsquad is gearing up to take over the streets of Austin once again. You might have seen these purple people in the past on the news, at parties, or even leading the SXSW parade.
This year, the #XYZsquad will be handing out thousands of 3D glasses for our exclusive 3D Lab. Best of all, everyone has a chance to win free prizes just by solving the riddles! We also have a festival-wide scavenger hunt in the works that will be taking place throughout Downtown Austin, along with some other new tricks up our purple suit sleeves.
Stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on the scavenger hunt and live posts from SXSW starting on March 10th!
At the same time that the #XYZsquad is air-flaring and parkouring at SXSW, ICANN 58 will be taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark. Shayan Rostam will be there to meet with registrars and resellers to discuss our next big marketing campaign, as well as share other exciting news about our domains.
Are you attending ICANN 58? Schedule a meeting with Shayan to discuss marketing and partnership opportunities by contacting us.
Following ICANN, we will be hosting the first ever SoCal Domainers + Southern California Cybersecurity Professionals meetup. Starting at 6:30 on March 30th, everyone from the domain and cybersecurity industries are welcome to stop by for a drink at the XYZ office here in sunny Santa Monica. Although this is the third time we are hosting the event since 2015, it will be the first one since Shepard Fairey and Risk did an original mural on our building.
If you happen to be in the area on March 30th, stop by for a night of food, drinks, and great conversations. Check out the MeetUp page for more information and to reserve your spot at the event!
As you can see, March is going to be an exciting month for us, with a lot planned! If you plan to be at SXSW, ICANN 58, or live in Los Angeles, let us know on Twitter and we’ll arrange a meeting.
We sure had “a whale of a time” at ICANN’s 54th conference in Dublin, Ireland. It feels like just yesterday that we launched .xyz to the world, when in reality there have already been seven ICANN conferences since then!
ICANN, the organization that oversees the entire internet naming system, hosts these global public meetings to discuss how to make the internet a better place. This is also a great opportunity for us to catch up with all of our partners throughout the world.
Dublin was a nice break from the Southern California heat wave, where we had the opportunity to meet in-person with more than 50 of our partners at the Dublin Convention Centre.
One of the many highlights was the welcome gala at Dublin’s famous Dame Lane. Themed “That Night in Dublin,” we ate and drank the Irish way with other conference attendees.
We also visited Google’s Ireland office, which is punnily located on Google Docks.
If you find yourself in Dublin, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is a must-try. We wined and dined with our trusty registrar partners, Namecheap.
And to cap off a successful week, we celebrated Raedene’s birthday, who’s an integral part of the team that supports all of the .xyz backend magic over at CentralNic.
With ICANN Dublin in the books, we’re excited to finish off the year with a bang. Not only are we releasing .xyz and .College premiums, we’re also launching our newest additions to the XYZ family: .Cars, .Car, .Auto, .Security, .Protection, and .Theatre.
Want more details on our newest domain offerings? Stay up-to-date with all of the news by signing up for our newsletter and following us at @xyz!
Hey there, #GenXYZ!
Getting ready for #ICANN51 in LA. Tweet us if you’re here! #genxyz #deepv pic.twitter.com/vRlQM9kinp
— XYZ (@xyz) October 13, 2014
For those of you who follow us on Twitter, you already know that we’ve been preparing for ICANN’s huge conference in Los Angeles that began yesterday. THOUSANDS of people are gathering from around the world to take part in ICANN’s conference to discuss major topics that affect the future of the internet. Yes, you heard right – the future of the internet! And of course, the entire Team XYZ will be front and center, all hands on deck, as the conference is taking place on our home turf.
What is ICANN, you ask? ICANN (we pronounce it “eye-can”) is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. In a nutshell, it’s the organization that oversees anything and everything on the domain name system and strives for a stable and unified global internet.
First of all, without ICANN, we wouldn’t have you, #GenXYZ! ICANN rolled out the new domain extension program back in 2011, allowing for CEO and Founder Daniel Negari to bring .xyz to the world.
These conferences cover topics like new domain extensions, all the way to general internet outreach in emerging markets. Best of all, ICANN conferences are open to the public! If you’re interested in these topics (or just want to hang out with Team XYZ), stop by #ICANN51 in Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Not in LA? No worries! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and we’ll keep you updated on all the .xyz activity at ICANN. Keep your eyes peeled for some purple fun :)
Big, big news, #GenXYZ!
We’re happy to announce that .xyz Founder Daniel Negari and ICANN officially executed our Registry Agreement this week! This means we’re one huge step closer to launching the most flexible, memorable, and affordable domain names on the planet next year.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a three-letter Twitter handle, we can tell you firsthand that it’s awesome. That’s because we just scored @xyz. Same great tweets and breaking news, just a new and improved name. Be sure to follow our new account so you don’t miss out on our upcoming promotions and announcements.
One last thing – we’ve been talking with some media outlets and expect a few great articles to be published in the next few days. Keep an eye out for them because they’re sure to generate a lot of buzz!
That’s it for now, #GenXYZ. Stay posted on all things .xyz by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Guess what, #GenXYZ!
We’ve got a juicy new video interview for you to check out on TheDomains starring ICANN’s poster boy, .xyz Founder Daniel Negari. As part of their new global awareness campaign, Daniel was the first operator featured in ICANN’s interview series to “provide insight into the individual story of a TLD, or portfolio of TLDs, the inspiration behind it and how they see it being used.” Domain Name Wire also has an article explaining ICANN’s new video project, make sure you check it out!
We know a lot of you out there are curious about Team XYZ. Thanks to Morgan Linton, you can now take a peek into our LA offices and get a taste of our day-to-day. Check out Morgan’s tour of our office and thoughts on the team. Thanks for stopping by, Morgan!
Make sure you also check out our new landing page on 101domain. We’re thrilled that so many of our registrar partners are sharing .xyz with the world. Don’t forget to pre-register your .xyz domain today.
Before we go, we wanted to let you know that the XYZ Store is almost sold out! Make sure you grab one of these first run t-shirts before they’re all gone. Our team of designers is hard at work on some new products, so stay tuned for the next round of merch.
Let us know what you think of the .xyz crib on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us with #GenXYZ.
Good news, Generation XYZ®. ICANN approved .xyz’s initial evaluation as one of the latest new top level domain extensions on Friday, August 9th. You can read the full press release here. What does that mean? In short, it means we are right on track to launch .xyz next year. Don’t worry, we’ve got more than a few tricks up our sleeve to keep you busy until then!
Team XYZ has been working behind the scenes lately on some fun new surprises for our fans. That’s why we’re happy to announce that users can now watch .xyz on their favorite registrar’s website and be the first to know when their domains of choice will be available. Explore the full list by heading over to xyz.com/registrars. On most of the registrar site, such as GoDaddy.com, you can find .xyz in the “generic” category or by doing an extension search.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates. You can also learn more about our other exciting new project, .College, here.
We’re thrilled to mark a significant milestone today – the 9th anniversary of .xyz’s launch! We’re incredibly grateful for the vibrant .xyz community that has evolved alongside us. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable accomplishments and created an online space that embodies the endless possibilities of the digital world.
Over the years, .xyz has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity. This meteoric rise has not only reshaped the digital landscape but has positioned .xyz as a true pioneer and symbol of innovation.
At the heart of our success lies the incredible individuals who make up the .xyz community. Our community is a diverse tapestry of entrepreneurs, artists, developers, and dreamers, all coming together to push the boundaries of what’s possible online. It is through their unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit that .xyz has become synonymous with freedom and versatility on the internet.
We’ve been very excited this year to witness the integration of AI-related platforms building homes on .xyz and XYZ Registry domains, like .Game and .Quest. In just six months, “AI” has risen to claim the top spot among .xyz domain name registrations, reflecting the growing influence of artificial intelligence in our digital world. Artificial intelligence has revolutionized industries, transforming the way we live and paving the way for a future that was once only imaginable in science fiction. With .xyz leading the charge, these cutting-edge platforms are reshaping the landscape of home automation, robotics, and AI, empowering users to embrace a world of endless possibilities. Don’t miss our upcoming new weekly series #AIMonday, where we will highlight .xyz websites such as Sloped.xyz and Frontdoor.xyz that offer a wide range of AI technologies aimed at helping businesses and individuals automate processes and gain a competitive edge.
At XYZ Registry, we’re excited by the numerous ventures in our dynamic .xyz community securing significant investments. These successes highlight just one facet of our community’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive. .XYZ is home to innovation, attracting visionary minds who disrupt industries. Check out our monthly XYZ Registry Domains Report to learn more about these cool successes. Here are some of the top raises we’ve seen this year:
One of the earmarks of growth and usage in a Top Level Domain like .xyz is the amount of visits or “DNS queries” going to all live domains ending in .xyz. A DNS query happens when you type a domain name into your browser, or click on a link, and your browser sends a request to the Domain Name Service (DNS) to lookup the website files, so that it can display the website for you. For example, if you visit Indo.xyz, Rooms.xyz, and Fair.xyz, those queries are all counted towards the total DNS queries for the .xyz TLD. Queries are counted when users visit websites, and they are also counted when websites are “visited” programmatically, such as when they are crawled by Google for indexing.
You can track the level of DNS activity on .xyz domain names by examining ICANN’s monthly registry activity reports. Looking at “dns-udp-queries-received,” you can gauge the level of interest and engagement with .xyz domains, which can indicate their popularity.
From launch in 2014 to date, the .xyz infrastructure has supported more than 25.2 trillion queries. We have seen steady growth from 4.5 billion queries in 2014, to 1.3 trillion queries in 2022 alone! This stat steadily increases year over year, and as .xyz continues to be the #1 new gTLD in registration numbers, the usage of .xyz grows even more exponentially.
In August 2022, we proudly became the next steward for .Lat, a domain extension that embodies the spirit of LATAM pride. .Lat domains offer an inclusive online space, open for registration by individuals or organizations from any location, such as Manuel Zúñiga’s Consultis.Lat, without restrictions. XYZ is deeply committed to fostering the expansion and advancement of online opportunities, not only in Latin America but also across the globe. We recognize the significance of having an affordable, concise, and versatile domain ending that effectively represents Latinos worldwide. By offering .Lat domains, we aim to empower individuals and businesses, like DataGrowth.Lat, to establish a digital presence that authentically reflects their identity and aspirations.
This past year we introduced our latest initiative, the #BlockchainThursday blog series, which complements our long-standing #WebsiteWednesday series. As the .xyz blockchain community continues to expand, we aim to shine a spotlight on innovative and forward-thinking individuals within our community. Every Thursday, we feature a member of the .xyz blockchain community, such as Lens.xyz and Alongside.xyz, showcasing their groundbreaking work and contributions to the industry. This new series allows us to celebrate the growth and advancements within the blockchain space while highlighting the incredible individuals who are driving its progress. Be sure to check out our #BlockchainThursday series and join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of our web3-focused community members.
The impact our community continues to have on society is inspiring. Through their innovative technologies, influential works of art and entertainment, and ambitious projects with a global reach, the .xyz community is leaving an indelible mark. From leveraging blockchain technology to enhance security and transparency, to harnessing the power of AI for revolutionizing knowledge management, our community exemplifies the limitless potential of human ingenuity and collaboration.
As we embark on a .Quest towards our 10th year, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. We deeply appreciate the diverse range of end-users who contribute to our community, as it is through the fusion of different perspectives, backgrounds, and talents that we can truly unlock the internet’s potential. Our ongoing dedication to inclusivity drives us to create tools, resources, and initiatives that cater to the unique needs of each .xyz community member. With our sights set firmly on the future, we eagerly anticipate the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Here’s to another year of trailblazing and shaping the digital world with .xyz!
In addition to advancements in AI and blockchain technology, remarkable achievements are taking place on .xyz in various global markets. Highlighted here are some of the websites we proudly featured this year:
At XYZ Registry, our zero-tolerance stance against abuse is fortified by our Anti-Abuse Technology and partnerships with leading cybersecurity companies like Spamhaus, PhishLabs, and IWF. These partnerships, along with our proprietary tools and user reporting, are crucial in swiftly responding to and mitigating abuse within our zones, ensuring the ongoing safety of the XYZ namespace. By collaborating with cybersecurity partners, we access specialized expertise and resources to effectively detect and address malicious activities.
User reporting serves as a vital source of real-time information, enabling us to promptly investigate and take action against abuse. Together with our partnerships, user reports help aid in detection to swiftly combat phishing, spam, malware, and other violations of our strict Anti-Abuse policies. This collaborative approach strengthens our ability to uphold the integrity of the XYZ namespace and create a safer online environment.
At XYZ Registry, we prioritize proactive monitoring and rapid response to address abuse, working alongside our partners and users to swiftly mitigate threats and maintain the safety and trustworthiness of our zones.
In the past year, XYZ has been honored to provide support to 262 hackathons worldwide (more than double the amount as last year!), offering a platform for passionate coders to showcase their innovative ideas online. Through collaborations and unique partnerships, like LayerX.xyz‘s hackathon management platform TAIKAI, we have actively worked towards inspiring the next generation to pursue leadership roles in the field of STEM. These partnerships exemplify our commitment to empowering generations of internet users, enabling them to transform their dreams into tangible realities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our global community for their unwavering support, as we celebrate our 9-year milestone. None of our achievements would have been possible without you, and we eagerly anticipate many more remarkable accomplishments as we continue this incredible journey together.
As we commemorate our 9th anniversary, we embrace our journey in the ever-evolving digital landscape, offering a truly generic domain for all to build upon. From blockchain to AR/VR, 3D, AI, and machine learning, cutting-edge platforms are building on .xyz domains and reshaping our lives. With excitement for the future, we eagerly anticipate the innovations that await us.
For more from XYZ’s CEO, be sure to check out Daniel’s blog post at www.ceo.xyz/nine.
In December 2022, we featured a #BlockchainThursday post about BlueskyWeb.xyz, an initiative aimed at building a decentralized form of social media. The Bluesky initiative was commissioned in 2019 by technology billionaire and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey while he was still the CEO of Twitter. On October 18, 2022, BlueskyWeb.xyz introduced its decentralized social media protocol, named The AT Protocol. They also opened a waitlist for the Bluesky Social app1, designed to serve as a browser with which to access the AT Protocol network. The wait is over, and more and more waitlisted users are receiving access codes and joining the new Bluesky Social platform. A key feature of the platform is the ability to set your own custom domain as your handle.
A custom domain with extensions like .xyz, .LOL, (even .Boats or .Yachts!) can be a fun or irreverent choice for your Bluesky handle. These unique domain extensions add a touch of creativity and personalization to your online presence. If you want to use a .xyz or .LOL or any XYZ Registry domain as your Bluesky handle, here’s how:
A custom domain is typically associated with representing a website on the internet. However, domains have multiple uses beyond websites. They are also employed for various purposes such as email addresses, online services, and now, even social media handles! Using a domain name as a handle in social media allows you to personalize your online presence with a memorable and unique domain extension like .xyz or .LOL. Instead of relying on traditional usernames, you can leverage the familiarity and versatility of domain names to stand out in the social media landscape.
Using a domain name as your handle in social media also unlocks valuable benefits. One significant benefit is the opportunity to promote your website seamlessly. By aligning your social media handle with your website’s domain, you create a cohesive brand identity. Every time you engage with others on social media, you are reinforcing your website’s presence, driving traffic, and expanding your online reach. Additionally, using a custom domain as your handle establishes a clear link between your social media profile and your website, proving that both are owned and managed by the same individual or organization. This verification adds authenticity and helps build trust, which can generate credibility among your audience and distinguish you from impersonators. BlueskyWeb.xyz has provided valuable information on using custom domains as handles.
To acquire a custom .xyz or .LOL domain, you can purchase one from any ICANN-accredited domain registrar or reseller. When choosing a custom .xyz or .LOL domain, you have the flexibility to explore a wide range of options. You don’t always need to aim for complete uniqueness. In fact, part of the fun is finding the perfect domain that resonates with your personality or brand. Feel free to search for the domain you want, whether it’s a clever phrase, a memorable word, or a playful combination. The availability of domain names with .xyz and .LOL extensions offers exciting opportunities to create a distinct online presence.
After registering your custom ..xyz or .LOL domain, you can set it as your Bluesky Social handle by following these steps:
On the “Change my handle” screen, select “I have my own domain.” The subsequent screen will provide you with the necessary information to add to your domain registrar.
Go to your domain registrar, such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Porkbun, and access the DNS management section for your domain. Add a TXT (text) record using the provided information. The record should have the following details:
Once you have added the TXT record, allow a few minutes for the changes to propagate across the internet. Afterward, click “Verify DNS Record” in Bluesky. Check your Bluesky profile to see if your custom .xyz or .LOL domain is now your handle. Please note that DNS propagation may take some time.
BlueskyWeb.xyz has been a great resource for learning about the use of custom domains as handles for Bluesky Social. By following these steps, you can proudly represent yourself on Bluesky with a unique .xyz or .LOL domain as your handle. Enjoy the personalized touch and make your online presence stand out!
1. https://bsky.app
October was another action packed month for all of us here at XYZ. Keep reading to see everywhere we went, or check out the video below for all the highlights!
2017 marks the 3rd straight year that we’ve taken .College to Educause, which was held this year in the City of Brotherly Love. And there was plenty of brotherly love spread around to the 4,000+ attendees, especially by the #XYZsquad, whose welcoming personalities helped the .College booth stand out among big names like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon as the hit of the conference. We spoke with hundreds of education industry professionals to help them register their .College domains and get their picture with the #XYZsquad too!
October also brought us an opportunity to connect with one of our leading registrar partners, Alibaba, at their YunQi Conference. It was great to see some familiar faces at the event, not just from Alibaba, but from Driver.xyz as well. There were many insightful keynotes and presentations given at the event, so if you missed any be sure to watch the replays here.
Giving the next generation of business leaders around the world a place to show their skills is central in XYZ’s mission to get the next generation online, and our partner Product Forge has helped us accomplish this goal time and again with their hackathons. This month, Product Forge organized the Edinburgh Tourism Challenge Weekend to give Scotland’s bright young minds a crack at improving Edinburgh’s tourism industry. Hackathon attendees put forth dozens of new ways to optimize the city’s tourism industry, and we supported them with free .xyz domains so they can share their ideas with the world (and they received some great free swag to boot). Check out the hackathon recap video below to see all the action, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all the ways we support #GenXYZ!
ICANN’s events have given Team XYZ the chance to travel around the world, and this month we made the trip from LA all the way to Abu Dhabi, where we met with over 30 of our partners. We shared the exciting news about both .Storage and the 1.111B® Class officially launching, and also planned some exciting new initiatives for 2018.
Last month we previewed an interview we were happy to have with Majesty Alliance, and we’re excited to be able to share the full video this month. Check it out below!
We capped off the month of October by celebrating Halloween with the entire office. We held a costume contest and a pumpkin carving contest, and there were some very creative entries in both. To see more of XYZ’s culture and find out why XYZ is the best place to work, check out our daily stories on Instagram (@XYZ).
May was another fast-paced month for Team XYZ. We spent the month giving members of #GenXYZ more creative freedom than ever before with their domains, by introducing the new 1.111B® Class. But before our June 1 announcement, we got to meet face to face with businesses and individuals around the world and hear about all their dynamic ideas and projects.
We started off the month sponsoring the Product Forge Local Transport Hackathon in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hackathons are one of our favorite ways to connect with #GenXYZ and support their entrepreneurial spirit. Product Forge’s Hackathon featured creative problem solving from innovators and future leaders. 8 teams composed of tech, design, business, and transport industry professionals competed to build the best new product that would improve transport services in South East Scotland. The winning team was Side who developed TransitTalks, a platform that allows individuals in communities to correspond directly with transportation planners and share their concerns and wishes.
As the winning team, Side was awarded a free .xyz domain, so they can get started building the TransitTalks platform online right away.
Our next trip was to sunny Spain for the ICANN GDD Industry Summit. The summit was a great opportunity to meet with many of our registrar partners and to share our vision for the 1.111B® Class. Many of our registrar partners loved the idea and marketing support that the XYZ Team had put together (look for them at gen.xyz). We are always grateful when we have the chance to meet face to face with the registrars that allow innovators around the world to have access to .xyz, and we look forward to seeing them at future ICANN events.
After the ICANN summit we returned to the States to connect with members of Santa Monica’s rapidly growing Virtual Reality (VR) startup community at the Silicon Beach VR Networking Mixer. We spoke to passionate VR entrepreneurs and got to share some success stories of .xyz adopters working in VR, like Langzou.xyz. We love promoting .xyz adopters at every event we attend and the professionals we met at the mixer were inspired by their stories and can’t wait to follow in their footsteps with their own .xyz VR sites.
Our last stop in May was the Silicon Beach Young Professionals Mixer, which combined hungry young tech professionals, growing startups, and even a few freelance developers for a night of networking and collaboration. After we generated buzz about .xyz inside the event, we went out onto the streets of Venice to generate buzz about the 1.111B® Class with a holographic takeover.
The takeovers are far from over, as XYZ has huge throughout June to spread the word about the “All Your Domains Are Come From Us” marketing campaign and the 1.111B® Class. Stay tuned to our Twitter (@XYZ), Facebook (/XYZ) and Instagram (@XYZ) to see what Team XYZ and the #XYZsquad have in store!
