Web 3.0, or let’s just say ‘the intelligent web’ uses natural language search, data mining, semantic web, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for delivering a more intuitive user experience. 

We can’t be definitive for web 3.0 as of now, the applications and features of web 3.0 are evolving and there is no such statement that we have passed from web 3.0 or if it’s matured and done. 

Web-version shift takes time and never happens overnight. From web 2.0 to web 3.0, the change is here and we are transcending. The forthcoming web 3.0 wave has passed the initial cryptocurrencies hype, the richness of interaction and global web 3.0 scope is immense.

Investors have already bet $27 billion on Web 3.0 as the ‘future of the internet’, as shared in a report by the New York Times. 

In this blog post, we will explain what is web 3.0, how it evolved from web 1.0 to web 2.0 to web 3.0, features and applications. 

Explained: What is web 3.0?

A decentralized, data-driven 3rd iteration of the internet using AI, machine learning, and blockchain for smart user experiences. 

Powershift from big ruling companies like YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, etc. to users is likely to happen completely in years to come. 

Web 3.0 is not here fully, can say not implemented yet and it would cause ripples once it’s here. 

How much would web 3.0 will take? Do you know it took almost 10 years from shifting web 1.0 to web 2.0? So, it would take around 10 years if not longer.

We can’t comprehend the web 3.0 definition since implications and applications will keep on developing. In order to fully understand Web 3.0, you need to know Web 1.0 and 2.0. 

Web 1.0 is the first iteration of today’s web, where ‘read-only’ static and personal websites displayed information. The purpose of the early web was to search and read relevant information. A content generation or user interaction was less of a concern.

Web 1.0 examples - MySpace, LiveJournal, etc.

Web 2.0 is the second iteration of the web, moved beyond read-only websites, users contributed content and interacted with web users. In this era, users produced content and distributed them via communities and social platforms.

Web 2.0 examples - Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, etc.

How has the web evolved over time?

The way we are using the web today isn’t always the same. In fact, a lot different.

Web 1.0 is the time period from 1990 - 2000. Users were not participating rather consuming information from static read-only websites as coined by Tim Berners-Lee. 

Web 2.0 from 2001-2011, moved to responsive websites where users can generate and share content. However, it didn’t allow full interaction of users, sharing photos and videos on social sites is one form. 

Now web 3.0 era started in 2011 and still maturing. A semantic web that understands the context of user search and brings forth the most accurate results using AI and ML. 

Here’s an evolution infographic. Source - Fabric Ventures

Some useful web 3.0 examples‍

• Apple Siri - comprehends voice search and brings useful results.
• Smart home - can operate devices using voice commands
• Bitcoin - decentralized crypto here for more than 10 years
• Diaspora - decentralized social network (non-profit)
• Steemit - blogging and social site built on blockchain
• Opensea - marketplace for buying and selling NFTs developed on Ethereum blockchain
• Augur - exchange trading market built on blockchain
• E-chat - replacing Messenger, a decentralized social network where users can send cryptocurrencies

Difference between web 1.0, web 2.0 and web 3.0

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Features and applications of web 3.0

Open and decentralized - the web is built on open source software with an open and accessible developers’ community. Also, the web is decentralized meaning no third party is involved, hence full autonomy for participants/users. 

No control - governing authorities have no control or users don’t need their authority while using the web.

Semantic web - improves web technologies for creating, sharing, and connecting content through search and analysis (comprehending words meaning LSI keywords) rather than tagging or numbers or simple keywords.

Artificial intelligence/Machine learning - natural language processing in web 3.0 distinguishes information just like humans and provides faster and more relevant results.

3D graphics - usage of 3 dimension design in websites and services like eCommerce, games, etc.

Connectivity and ubiquity - semantic metadata connects the information. Every device is connected with the web and the services can be used anywhere on any device.

Data ownership or decentralized data networks - data generating sources like individuals with their personal health data, farmer with crops data, car performance, etc. can be sold without losing control on ownership. NFTs are another good example. 

What makes web 3.0 better than its previous versions?

Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 will no longer be involved, thus user data won’t be controlled by intermediaries, minimizing the hold of government or corporate censorship.  

Before web 3.0 finding the best possible results wasn’t easy. However, discovering semantically relevant search results based on the searched term was possible, still, we do that. Nevertheless, voice searches based on ML algorithms are making search more convenient, allowing everyone to search with ease. 

There will be a prominent shift from the way we search on the web, interact on social platforms, or even shop online. While web 2.0 improved online interaction and communication but web 3.0 is improving personalization, sharing of content, data distribution and more. 

The newer version of the web is making use of blockchain, the technology behind Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, hence the internet will get the support of decentralized networks. 

Let’s take customer service as an example here. Harnessing a positive user experience or satisfying customers via support operations was too costly given the infrastructure/ resources and time required. Chatbots with ML algorithms have made talking to multiple customers at the same time possible and dealing with typical inquiries in seconds. 

Is there a downside of web 3.0?

Like said before the users will be in control of their data rather than governments or corporations. This isn’t completely true.

Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO thinks that regular users won’t get the control rather the venture capitalists or investors will be in control, meaning there still be centralized control of users’ data. 

If decentralization is so true to believe then there will be a rise in cybercrimes, online abuse, etc. as web 3.0 won’t be monitored or regulated. 

Final verdict

Web 2.0 is significantly driven by mobile, social, and cloud technologies whereas web 3.0 is powered by edge computing, decentralization, AI/ML, and blockchain. 

The ultimate goal of web 3.0 is to build more intelligent, connected, and decentralized websites applications and services. Since web 2.0 to web 3.0 is in transition, web is already reshaping our experiences. It’s assumed that web 3.0 will alter how websites are developed and how people interact with the web.