A couple of blockchain-connected names launch this week.
This week, there are a couple of interesting launches in the blockchain naming space.
First up, Orange Domains is launching .locker in general availability on Wednesday.
.Locker is a “real” top level domain name with web functionality. But it also has web3 technology thanks to integration with the Bitcoin Naming System (BNS) .
The Early Access phase ends today, and there are about 50 domains in the .locker zone as of right now. On Wednesday, registrars including GoDaddy and Namecheap will start offering the domains at regular prices.
It appears most registrars will charge about $70-$90 per year, although 101Domain is currently offering the first year for just $29.99.
Separately, D3 announced the launch of *ape today, targeted at the Bored Ape Yacht Club community.
The company uses a * instead of a . because the name is not a real domain yet. That will require the company to successfully obtain the domain through ICANN’s new top level domain program.
For now, customers can secure a *ape name with web3 functionality. If the company successfully obtains .ape, then general web capabilities will be added.
*Ape names are selling for the equivalent of $30.
They are only a couple of years too late with ape stuff. Bored Ape NFTs have lost 95% of their value so I doubt there is much of a market for those *domains.