What is Web 3.0?

‍Introduction

It hasn’t been long since the World Wide Web came into existence and mapped out the whole foundation layer for how the Internet is used, providing website and application services. Since then, the Web has continuously evolved, with our sci-fi movies coming closer to being a reality. So what is Web 3.0? In this guide, we will be going over how the World Wide Web has evolved, what the new Web 3.0 looks like, and its key features and applications. 

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What is Web 3.0?

Web 3.0 is the third generation of the evolution of web technologies, where websites and apps will be able to process information in a human-like way with the help of AI and ML. It was originally called the Semantic Web by World Wide Web (and HTML) inventor Tim Berners-Lee who believed it would be a more autonomous, intelligent, and open internet. It took more than ten years for the first version of the Web, Web 1.0, to turn into Web 2.0. It is expected that the same amount of time, if not more, is needed to make the next transition into Web 3.0.

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How does Web 3.0 work?

Web 3.0 will have a strong emphasis on decentralization. It will continue to have HTML as its foundational layer and delivery of webpages, but the way it connects to data sources and where the data resides will be different from previous versions. Web 2.0 currently uses a centralized database to deliver data and enable functionality. Decentralized blockchain could be used to control the data with Web 3.0 and forward. And switching to this will make paying with cryptocurrency a lot better than fiat currency. Financing and purchasing will be easier and safer. Both Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 are built with IPv4 addressing space, while Web 3.0, which requires more internet addresses, uses IPv6.

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Evolution of Web 3.0

Let’s look at how the Web has changed over the years. From Web 1.0 to Web 3.0 and looking forward, what has changed and how has it affected us? With cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, as well as the interconnectivity between users and increasing internet usage, it isn’t a stretch to say that Web 3.0 is a big upgrade from its predecessors.

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Web 1.0 (1989 - 2005): Web 1.0 is also called the Static Web and was the first ever Web. It provided limited information with little to no user interaction. There were no algorithms that were hard for users to get relevant information. It was not much, but it was the door to endless opportunities. 

Web 2.0 (2005 - present): Also called the Social Web, users can now create pages, comment on each other’s articles, and become a lot more interactive thanks to advancements in web technologies like JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, etc. From there, interactive platforms like Youtube, Facebook, and Wikipedia connected users with each other. The digital footprint grew wider, and the Internet became more relevant. The Web we are using today is Web 2.0.

Web 3.0 (yet to come): Another revolution is about to come as new technologies make their way into the Internet, changing the Web for the better. Researchers aim for this version to act more human-like, offering highly-tailored content straight to every internet user and almost immersing into our lives.

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Key features of Web 3.0

The new Web comes with new features. If you’re still unclear about what Web 3.0 is, there are a few key features that define what the third-generation web looks like! 

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Decentralized & blockchain-based: The main change from this version compared to the previous two is that governance and applications will now be decentralized. Applications and services will be enabled in a distributed approach where there isn’t an actual authority.

Cryptocurrency-enabled: It is very likely that cryptocurrency will completely replace fiat currency in Web 3.0 as we are striving for safer and faster payment options.

Autonomous and artificial intelligence: More automation and more human-like function are key features of Web 3.0 which will be powered by AI. Since Web 3.0 can read and decipher meanings and emotions by a set of data, it brings forth intelligent machines. Web 2.0 is strikingly close to achieving that. However, it is still predominantly human-based, which opens room for corrupt behaviors like faking good reviews.

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Web 3.0 applications

Some of the applications of Web 3.0 are already in use. A notable mention is Siri which is Apple’s voice-controlled AI assistant that is embedded in every Apple device. It has grown more intelligent and expanded its abilities since its creation. Siri uses speech recognition with artificial intelligence to perform complex and personalized tasks. Other applications include Wolfram Alpha, Brave, Audius, Odysee, Filecoin, Distrikt, and many more.

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Conclusion

The new Internet will provide a more personalized and customized experience, which for many is an exciting thought. Web 3.0 isn’t here yet, but when it arrives, we should expect to see a myriad of innovative changes to the way the Internet operates and is used. It will be much more integrated into our lives, opening new possibilities and, of course, risks. But it’s not looking grim. As the new Web comes along, the users, providers, and anyone involved will each take their part of the responsibility to ensure that it is safe and effective. 

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Are you ready for the future of Internet? We are!

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