Type in a domain name to create a new Spotify playlist, sell something on eBay or open a new GitHub repository.
Google is opening up its .new top level domain name to third parties that wish to use the domain for “action generation.”
The company started using the domain as a shortcut about a year ago. For example, if you type doc.new in your browser, it will create a new Google Doc.
Now, third parties will be able to register .new domains as long as they use them to start an action or workflow.
Some of the companies already on board include:
- Playlist.new: Create a new playlist to add songs on Spotify.
- Story.new: Write on Medium.
- Sell.new: Help people get exactly what they want through eBay.
- Reservation.new: Enter reservation.new to make an OpenTable reservation at the best restaurants near you.
- Webex.new: For an easy, fast, and secure way to start your personal meeting room from any browser, try this shortcut from Cisco Webex.
- Repo.new: Open new GitHub repositories and gists.
The company is running the ICANN-mandated sunrise for trademark holders through January 14. Sunrise registrations do not need to activate an action or workflow.
Companies can start applying for .new domains on December 2. They must create an action or workflow within 100 days of receiving the domain to remain in compliance.
This is one of the more innovative things a company has done with a new top level domain. It also gives emphasis to typing in domains, showing how it’s the most direct way to visit websites.
The problem, as I see it, is that it’s backwards. My wife tells me she loves the docs shortcut, but frequently types new.doc instead of doc.new.
Michael says
“The problem, as I see it, is that it’s backwards. My wife tells me she loves the docs shortcut, but frequently types new.doc instead of doc.new.”
That, and teaching the whole world about this is never gonna work. DOA.
Andrew Allemann says
You don’t have to teach the whole world. It’s really power users who will benefit from this. If you use Google Docs all day, the doc.new shortcut is handy. Same could go for any of these other services.
SeeBeyond says
If someone is a powersuser don’t you think they would *Already* have some sort of shortcut for this like a bookmark?
Ethan Taylor says
Although the use is innovative, it would affect the number of .new domain names.
James Kite says
If it promotes use, this could be good, they can always open up registrations later.
Andrew Allemann says
I don’t think they’re going for a volume play here.
H says
The question is, will Google tweak Chrome to promote it? The way it is now, going to work only for advanced users who know about it and eventually re-use it, otherwise autosuggestions will top any .new domains so there are no .new users to gain. But it is a different story if .new domains are given priority.
James Kite says
$500 a domain…
Frank says
The only new top level domain name which would fit to Google is “.evil”.
Put your search-engine onto the domain “Google.evil” and be done with it.
Snoopy says
Another bad new tld idea. Fake innovation much like .luxe and .mobi.