What's new in blockchain: .locker and ape releases

The blockchain naming space saw a couple of notable new launches this week. First, Orange Domains will officially launch its new top-level domain, .locker, on Wednesday, a domain that is not only web-enabled, but also infused with the innovative elements of web3 technology thanks to its integration with the Bitcoin Naming System (BNS).

About 50 domains have already been registered after the end of the sneak preview phase for .locker. As of Wednesday, several registrars, including GoDaddy and Namecheap, will begin offering these domains at regular prices. While most registrars charge between $70 and $90 per year, 101Domain is enticing users with a more competitive option at just $29.99 for the first year.

Also today, D3 announced the launch of ape, created exclusively for the Bored Ape Yacht Club community. Notably, the name uses “” instead of “.” , as it is not yet an official domain name, meaning that the company will need to successfully acquire the domain name in question through ICANN's New Top Level Domain program. Currently, customers can apply for ape domains with web3 functionality, while regular web functionality will be added in the future if the company is successful in obtaining .ape. ape domains are priced at $30 and are designed to appeal to users in that community.

These two newly released domains not only demonstrate the advancement of blockchain technology, but also signal the continued evolution of the web naming space. With the rise of web3, the future of naming will be ever richer, providing users with more options.