Since the development of Bitcoin blockchain in 2009, people focused more on cryptocurrency. But in the period of 2017, Web3 arrived as a platform instead of just a payment system – and it is growing rapidly. The tech giants are adopting it, including JP Morgan Chase, Google, Ubisoft and ConsenSys, who are investing to explore its potential. Although not all firms have described what they intend to do with Web3, but it can’t be denied that more and more firms are exploring its possibilities as one of their goals.
Today we have compiled a list of these companies that are going aggressive on web 3.0. But before we delve into the article, let’s take a glance at what Web3 is.
Web 3.0
In Web3, cutting-edge websites and applications employ big data, distributed ledger technology, and machine learning to process information in a human-like way. The phrase “Semantic Web” was created by Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, to describe a more independent, perceptive, and open web.
Web3 enables interaction with data from both machines and people. However, programs need to evaluate data both theoretically and culturally. Given this, Web 3.0’s two pillars are the semantic web and artificial intelligence.
There are a few things to consider regarding Web 3.0 technology. First of all, the idea is not brand-new. One of the early developers of Web 1.0 and 2.0 applications, Jeffrey Zeldman, expressed his support for Web 3.0 in a blog post in 2006. On the other hand, talks on this topic started around 2001.
Web3 is emerging as a logical development of earlier web tools combined with cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence, as well as greater consumer connectivity and internet usage. Comparing Internet 3.0 to Web 1.0 and 2.0, it seems to be an improvement.
1) Mc Donalds
With numerous successful updates to its branding and business model over the past several decades, the fast-food restaurant has long been recognized as an industry innovator. With 130 employees worldwide on its digital innovation team, McDonald’s is one of the top fast food chains regarding digital technology.
Mcdonald’s filed multiple trademarks for web 3.0 in February. A trademark was filed covering “virtual restaurants with home delivery,” while another covered “virtual food and beverage items, including NFTs.” In addition, McDonald’s and McCafe trademarked entertainment offerings, including “online actual and virtual concerts.
Licensed trademark attorney Josh Gerben says the trademarks would cover McDonald’s restaurants that serve both virtual and actual meals in the metaverse.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its McRib in November of last year, it provided fans and customers with a constrained quantity of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
2) Starbucks
Starbucks said that they would be releasing their own loyalty-based NFTs as part of the introduction of their Web3 community platform. Starbucks announced this new strategy to investors on the company’s fiscal Q2 2022 earnings call, supporting NFT technology as a means of extending the “third place” concept, a term they’ve used to describe a place where people can feel a sense of belonging over coffee between the home and the workplace.
Their NFTs would offer their owners access to exclusive material in addition to becoming digital collectors and other benefits. Starbucks sees the collectables as a continuation of consumer loyalty. The company hired Adam Brotman, who developed the Starbucks app and the business’ Mobile Order & Pay system, to serve as a special advisor on the initiative.
Customers can currently earn Stars by making purchases in-app or at Starbucks locations, which can then be converted into physical prizes like free drinks. This loyalty program will now include the newly introduced NFTs somehow. By allowing buyers to ‘earn’ the collectables through regular purchases, more people could join the web3 ecosystem. More details are yet to be revealed by the company as time passes by, and they try to come up with more innovative ways to excel and outsmart their competitors in web3.
3) Spotify
Spotify has started hiring Web3 specialists to integrate blockchain and NFT technology into its streaming service.
Spotify published two job listings previously seeking candidates for early-stage projects built on Web3, a blockchain-based new World Wide Web that integrates decentralization and token-based economics. The use of blockchain by Spotify would increase interest in music NFTs, which have recently attracted collectors’ interest. NFT platforms are starting to feature music NFTs.
Music streaming service Spotify is integrating and advertising NFT galleries on the profiles of a small number of artists, according to Music Ally. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) will list the songs and albums of the artists.
Among the first musicians to take the NFT exam were The Wombats and Steve Aoki. A limited number of Android users in the US can view and purchase NFTs from outside markets at present.
Due to the inability to make direct purchases through Spotify, Spotify does not receive a commission from NFT sales. Spotify sent a survey to gauge enthusiasm and interest in potential NFT implementations on its platform.
4) Microsoft
One of the largest IT companies in the world is Microsoft. It has stated that the Astar Incubation program, it will assist Astar Network in building the web3 future.
Microsoft will be able to offer resources and assistance to Astar Incubation Program companies thanks to this agreement. This will include marketing support and a mentoring network.
Microsoft is vying for a share of the blockchain business with other tech giants like Facebook’s parent firm Meta. It added ConsenSys to its arsenal by taking part in an investment round worth $450 million, boosting the startup’s market value to $7 billion.
MetaMask, the most well-known blockchain wallet in the world, is powered by ConsenSys. In 2021, Microsoft and ConsenSys stopped offering Azure’s blockchain services and started working together, directing their clients to ConsenSys.
Polkadot is an additional smart contract system that competes with Ethereum via the Astar Network, and Microsoft has also shown interest in it. So it’s great to say that this cooperation is something to keep an eye on.
They are also looking to introduce a distributed ledger on the blockchain. The distributed ledger templates from Microsoft will include many different user-friendly features. These will involve activities like tonnage transfers, token mining, and token burning. These templates allow users to quickly build and release their crypto to the markets
This service has not yet announced its start. The patent’s acceptance represents a significant step forward for the business. As a result, Microsoft will be able to retain its millions of customers worldwide.
5) Adidas
In addition to becoming a household name in the apparel industry, Adidas is making a name for itself in web 3 as well. Adidas used Bored Ape #8774 to create its character called Indigo Herz because BAYC owners held the commercial rights before officially announcing a collaboration with BAYC, Gmoney, and the authors of the Punks Comics in December. This joint NFT drop brought in almost $23 million, and it is already the second-most-traded collection on the largest NFT platform, OpenSea.These NFTS are currently also listed on their website.
Adidas has acquired land in the Sandbox to construct AdiVerse, which may be considered a decentralized competitor to Nikeland, further solidifying their Web3 credentials. The NFTs, as mentioned earlier, will act as access tokens for AdiVerse’s virtual goods, enabling holders to outfit their Sandbox avatars with distinctive clothing. Additionally, the business has disclosed a partnership with the bitcoin/crypto exchange Coinbase.
Adidas also considers environmental issues; the 3,000 unique tiles NFTs are created on Polygon since it is more “environmentally friendly” than other top blockchains.
6) Nike
By launching Nikeland on Roblox in late 2021, Nike made a splash in the metaverse boom. This persistent virtual environment is impressive, featuring experiences, minigames, and clothing. With Roblox, Nike joins Vans, Chipotle, Gucci, and Hyundai in creating everlasting worlds, games, or momentary experiences.
Early in December, when Adidas received all the attention, Nike was quietly working on its Web3 approach. Nike was about to acquire RTFKT and had already applied for multiple patents for virtual goods.
By offering full commercial rights to Clone X NFT holders, the Nike-owned RTFKT NFT (non-fungible token) collection has signalled the start of a “new age.” Owners will be able to utilize their Clones to mint fan art NFTs, produce merchandise or music, and start their enterprises, according to the corporation.
RTFKT gives community members access to the files needed to render their Clones’ 3D models and animations using programs like Maya and Blender.
On June 30, Nike formally submitted a patent application to the USPTO for “video game integration” of NFTs.
According to the application, Nike wants to patent a process for using a “virtual object” in digital collectable basketball and soccer games, such as a “shoe, article of clothing, headgear, avatar, or pet.” Users would unlock NFT footwear called “CryptoKicks” for their avatars, and physical twins of the clothes and shoes would be offered for retail purchase.
7) Prada
The fashion industry is not lagging in the new era of technology. Brands like Gucci and Belangia have adopted web3, and now Prada has also jumped into it by introducing some of its NFTS.
With the release of the Cassius Hirst Timecapsule clothing collection, the Italian design brand unveiled 100 NFT collectables. In a ground-breaking partnership, Prada and Cassius Hirst, the son of eminent artist Damien Hirst, created the Cassius Hirst Timecapsule. One NFT gets airdropped to the purchaser for every item they buy from this collection.
The standout item from Prada’s most recent collection is the pictured unisex button-down, which was created in partnership with Cassius Hirst.
The article is available in two hues, black and white, and the matching NFTs are each a GIF of a black or white version of the item. The NFTs will reference both the drop’s serial number and the number assigned to each item of clothing.
8) Amazon
The availability of Ethereum on Amazon Managed Blockchain was announced by Amazon Web Services (AWS) in March 2021. This fully-managed solution enables customers to “join public networks or set up and maintain scalable private networks using popular open-source frameworks.”
As well as eliminating any overhead, Amazon Managed Blockchain scales instantly to meet the needs of applications running countless deals without requiring users to create a public network. In addition to the capability to handle certificates and welcome new members, Managed Blockchain makes it much easier for users to manage their blockchain networks once they are up and running.
9) Sony
Earlier this year, Sony filed patents for cryptocurrency betting on e-sports events in-game. Interestingly, the patent offers a real-time betting system that allows players to bet on e-sports games in real time and accepts both physical and digital currencies. Each bet’s odds would be determined by AI based on its previous performance.
Furthermore, it appears that this invention is not exclusive to PlayStation gaming systems. Sony employees have brainstormed about this and stated that it would be interested in bringing this technology to consoles made by Microsoft, Nintendo, or other manufacturers, including virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality headsets, portable televisions, portable computers, including laptops and tablets, and, eventually, smartphones and other mobile devices, including smartwatches.
10) Shopify
A beta version of Shopify’s NFT trading platform was released in 2021. On several blockchains, users could mint and sell collectable NFTs.
Additionally, Shopify has been integrating AR sales capabilities into its digital area since 2018. A recent acquisition involved the acquisition of a home design company based on augmented reality.
To maintain minimal returns and prolong conversation costs, augmented reality provides a realistic and interactive representation of merchandise offering. Some of Shopify’s top manufacturers use its AR technology, including Instant Pot, Allbird, and Magnolia.
Several augmented reality patents have been filed by Shopify as well. One of these uses augmented reality to suggest clothing sizes based on body measurements.
The Shopify NFT program, on the other hand, enables users to mint and sell NFTs. Polygon and Ethereum are two blockchain technologies that can be used for the process. In contrast to most other NFT markets, merchants are not required to accept cryptocurrencies. As a result, they can accept payments through Shopify using debit cards, Shop Pay, and bank cards.
Conclusion
With the dawn of Web3 and its adoption by major players in different industries, the future is looking bright for the Internet of today. And with this movement toward Web3, the new generation of online tools and services is changing everything about Web2, proving that it’s not just an evolution, but a revolution in itself.
So, what do you think about the new Web3? Are these companies the pioneers? How do you think big companies will emerge in the future? Do let us know in the comments section.
