Google has made its .dev top level domain (TLD) available as part of its Early Access Program. The domain is dedicated to developers, and is aimed at allowing them to build communities, teach newer technologies, and showcase projects, amongst other potential applications.
"Till February 28, .dev domains are available to register as part of our Early Access Programme, where you can secure your desired domains for an additional fee. Beginning on February 28, .dev domains will be available at a base annual price through your registrar of choice," Ben Fried Vice President, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Domains Enthusiast, Google, wrote in a blog post on Monday.
Along with other big and small companies like GitHub, Mozilla, Netflix, Glitch, and Stripe, the tech giant itself has begun using the new domain on some of its own projects like web.dev and opensource.dev
To protect users against ad malware, tracking injection by Internet service providers and open Wi-Fi threats, the new domain would be secure by default - much like Google's recently launched .app and .page domains.
"The new domain will be secure by default because it requires Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) to connect to all .dev websites. With every .dev website that's launched, you help move the web to an HTTPS-everywhere future," the post added.
HTTPS is the secure encrypted version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between a connected browser and website.
To recall, Google had first unveiled its .dev top level domain back in November last year, and it was available select partners from January 16 this year. Now, the domain is open in its Early Access Program, and costs as much as $11,500 + $12 per year, though pricing will reduce after February 28, Android Police notes. Other registrars like GoDaddy, Name.com, and Network Solutions also offer .dev domains.
Written with inputs from IANS
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