Sony Group takes plunge into Web3 with new Ethereum Layer-2 network Soneium
Sony Block Options Labs, a subsidiary of Sony Group, has unveiled plans to develop Soneium, an Ethereum Layer-2 network designed to speed up blockchain expertise adoption, in line with an Aug. 23 statement.
The layer-2 network—a results of a collaboration with blockchain infrastructure supplier Startale—seeks to bridge blockchain expertise (Web3) with on a regular basis web companies.
This venture indicators Sony’s ongoing growth into the digital asset area. Sony Group hinted at launching a crypto alternate in July after buying Amber Japan’s WhaleFin alternate. The tech large plans to rename and relaunch the alternate, though the timeline stays unclear.
Soneium
The network can be designed as a flexible, general-purpose blockchain with aggressive options, mixing parts from leisure, gaming, finance, and different sectors.
Soneium would leverage the Op Stack and Superchain developed by the Optimism Basis. A testnet might be launched within the coming weeks to supply builders with hands-on expertise.
A number of crypto protocols, together with Chainlink and the Astar network, are already becoming a member of the venture as launch companions. Astar mentioned its zkEVM answer would transition into Soneium, and its native ASTR token will play an important position throughout the deliberate layer-2 answer.
Jun Watanabe, Chairman of Sony Block Options Labs, highlighted Soneium’s alternative to introduce blockchain expertise to a worldwide viewers by leveraging Sony’s intensive attain throughout leisure, finance, electronics, and gaming. He emphasised that Soneium will ultimately combine with Sony Group companies to draw customers unfamiliar with Web3.
Layer-2 networks
Ethereum layer-2 networks are designed to boost mainnet scalability and velocity and have seen sustained success not too long ago.
Over the previous yr, the layer-2 panorama has develop into crowded with main crypto corporations, together with Coinbase, launching their networks and scoring large neighborhood adoption.
Consequently, layer-2 networks now deal with most of Ethereum’s exercise. In line with accessible data, about 89% of blockchain transactions happen on these platforms.
Nevertheless, some critics argue that this growth might hurt Ethereum in the long term. These networks have already pushed the blockchain network’s charges to three-year lows and will additionally probably sign the top of ETH’s “ultrasound money” narrative.