Ethereum name service ENS
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has integrated .box domain names that can be used with internet browsers.
The .box domain is recognized as an ICANN-approved top-level domain and is the first on-chain TLD included in the ENS manager app – alongside .eth.
The release allows users to register .box domains through the manager app, which can be used with web2 services such as email and website hosting.
Domains hosted on .box are searchable and indexable in major browsers such as Google Chrome and Safari, and are therefore also compatible with popular email services.
All registrations and transfers of the .box domain are performed on the Ethereum blockchain.
ENS primarily operates the .eth name service, which provides a simpler alternative to traditionally long Ethereum addresses. Currently, more than 2.8 million .eth names have been issued.
The addition of .box domains to the platform aims to further connect web2 and web3 ecosystems. Unlike .eth, which does not interact with the Internet’s standard naming protocol, DNS, the .box domain will be accessible in all web browsers via ENS.
“.box provides streamlined access to Web3 via its on-chain TLD. ENS welcomes this integration and the user experience it brings as an additional, hassle-free option to register your digital identity,” said Nick Johnson, lead developer and founder of ENS.
Bridging Web2 and Web3 ecosystems with .box domains
Users will also have the option to use Ethereum and .box names simultaneously by tokenizing a DNS domain and integrating a crypto counterpart with each naming registration.
Over the past year, ENS has made efforts to bridge the gap with the traditional Internet. In addition to the .box integration, it recently partnered with popular domain registrar GoDaddy to link web domains to ENS names.
“ENS is the leading naming protocol in the web3 ecosystem. Looking to the future, we believe demand for Web3 usernames will far exceed the current demand for traditional Web domains,” said Josh Brandley, founder of .box domains.
