Its hard to take a few breaths on the internet without hearingabout Web3lately.
However, its not as accessible or ubiquitous as it might sound.
Ideally, all of that should be handled by those browsers, but thats not the case just yet.
Before we explore all that in detail, we will use some terms repeatedly in this story.
dApps:Decentralized applications running on blockchain-based protocols.
Blockchain:A decentralized protocol for Web3 projects.
Think of it as a public ledger that keeps track of all transactions.
For example, in the analog world, a document between the buyer of a house and its seller.
IPFS:The InterPlanetary File System is a peer-to-peer storage protocol web connection.
It works in a decentralized manner so you dont have to worry about if a particular server is working.
Non-custodial wallet:The service provider/net web client doesnt store keys to your wallet.
You have to remember your 12-word secret phrase to restore your wallet on another equipment.
With non-custodial wallets likeMetaMask, if you forget the phrase, you lose access to your account forever.
The idea is that the internet tool is just a window to the internet.
It was just a shell based on Electron.
You download the source code from a trusted source and execute programs locally.
And the backend of it is just made out of smart contracts.
And this slowed the process down.
As an end-user, you certainly wouldnt want to wait around for this just to access a site.
That brings us to how existing browsers handle the decentralized web.
Plus, both of them have this experience available on mobile and desktop.
They even make a run at simplify the onboarding process.
You might not want to use this version as your primary internet tool.
But its a good starting point to familiarize yourself with all things decentralized.
Privacy-focused Brave internet tool offers a slightly different experience.
It doesnt have a dedicated crypto web client or a content hub, but it has a cryptocurrency wallet.
Our wallet is available on all platforms.
But the dApp support is currently restricted to desktop.
Were planning to release mobile integration by the end of this quarter, said Bondy.
Plus, these are extra processes running on your net internet ride that hog some processing power.
For instance, if youre using Chrome, MetaMask works for all Ethereum-based blockchains and apps.
But for using Solana-supported apps, you’re gonna wanna use Phantom wallets.
Theres an issue of security as well.
Arnesen wants to build tools to prevent people from falling for these attacks.
According to Vogelsteller, there are two big roadblocks ahead of the Web3 experience.
The first is remembering that 12-word phrase, and understanding the security reasoning behind this authentication method.
Browsers can solve the first problem by working with different partners, but the second problem still remains.
Vogelsteller has a solution to some of those problems in a product hes building calledUniversal Profiles.
After all, your primary access point, a wallet, is a 42-character address.
These addresses also make it difficult for you to understand the reputation and identity of the owner.
Imagine having to turn on 20 knobs and controls just to send a tweet.
Thats kinda what Web3 can feel like right now.
A world where a user doesnt have to worry about the backend protocol.
Where there are more easy-to-remember usernames, and parsable messages tied to each identity.
Where Web3 is just… the web.
Until then, enjoy the madness.
Did you know Fabian Vogelsteller is speaking atTNW Conferencethis summer?
Check out the full list of speakershere.
That’s one heck of a mixed bag.
He likes to say “Bleh.
That’s one heck of a mixed bag.
He likes to say “Bleh.”
