Sony’s Web3 exploration has now reached a point where the Japanese tech giant has announced its own blockchain network, called Soneium. The layer-2 network is being built on Ethereum in collaboration with Startale Labs, the team behind Astar Network. Sony has created a new entity called Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL) to oversee the development and deployment of Soneium. This unit is a joint venture between Sony and Startale.
The goal of this layer-2 blockchain is to connect blockchain and Web3 technologies with existing Web3 internet services. A blog published on Soneium’s official site said that this blockchain is being designed based on ‘open internet’ to stimulate the creation of a decentralized landscape for entertainment, gaming, and financial sectors, among others.
Everything you need to know about Soneium
Jun Watanabe has been appointed chairman of Sony BSL, and Sota Watanabe has been appointed director of Sony’s Web3-focused branch. Watanabe said of the development: “We believe that developing a comprehensive Web3 solution based on blockchain is very important for the Sony Group. We will work to create diverse businesses and new use cases that can only be enjoyed through Web3.”
Sony has established itself in various verticals for decades, including entertainment, gadgets, home appliances and gaming. According to Sota Watanabe, Sony wants to leverage its distribution channels across multiple industries and existing users to bring blockchain technology to more people.
According to the Soneium blog, in addition to supporting existing blockchain use cases, Sony will also “consider new services tied to companies within the Sony Group to create use cases that can stimulate interest from people who have never used Web3 services before, and to support the expansion of creativity and engagement in fan communities through Web3 technology.”
In the long term, Sony aims to gain deep knowledge about protecting creators’ rights through this blockchain initiative, while also exploring mechanisms to return profits to support creators.
In the coming days, the Soneium testnet will launch with Op Stack, an open-source, modular framework that allows developers to try out future blockchain networks.
“After successfully launching the testnet, we plan to join Optimism’s Superchain to expand our ecosystem,” the blog said.
Soneium’s handle on X was created in February this year and currently has almost 4,000 followers. Updates around Soneium are posted through this channel for public awareness.
Introduction #Soneium Through #Sony Block Solutions Labs is building a next-generation public Ethereum layer 2 blockchain ecosystem that evokes emotions and inspires creativity.
Soneium aims to connect Web3 to everyday internet services, enabling blockchain technology… photo.twitter.com/I7zAIbB5Td
— Soneium :cd: (@soneium) August 23, 2024
Sony’s History with Web3
Sony ventured into Web3 in 2023 when the company partnered with Astar Network to launch a Web3 incubation hub.
In July 2024, the tech giant floated the idea of resuming operations of an acquired Japanese crypto company, WhaleFin.
Recently, Sony Bank introduced an NFT app called ‘Connect’. This app allows customers to store, trade and collect digital collectibles, all through their phone.
