- Google Cloud has launched a new web3 platform dedicated to developers in the space
- The platform includes tutorials for creators seeking to create things like NFTs
- The crypto community is, however, divided on the benefits the platform brings
The crypto community is divided on the benefits that Google Cloud’s new web3 portal brings to the space despite the tech giant describing the platform as “the home for all things web3.” The protocol provides resources to ease the creation of web3-based products like NFTs. However, some in the crypto space criticized the move noting that the portal doesn’t support developers on the Bitcoin blockchain, while others hailed it as a “comprehensive resource,” an indication that the Bitcoin-based web3 space is gaining popularity among developers.
Google Cloud is Way Behind?
According to Google Cloud, developers using the portal can test their creations on Ethereum testnets Holesky and Sepolia plus “discover blockchain datasets and developer tools from Google Cloud and [its] partners.” The tech heavyweight also announced its web3 Startup Program that allows developers to focus on “innovation over infrastructure.”
🎉 Now announcing our Web3 portal—the home for all things Web3 at Google Cloud → https://t.co/cOSwftJgfz
🚰 Experiment on testnet
💡 Discover blockchain datasets & developer tools from Google Cloud and our partners
⚡ Learn how the Web3 Startup Program can help you build faster pic.twitter.com/KadzkDStDS— Google Cloud (@googlecloud) April 24, 2024
Among those dissatisfied with Google Cloud’s move is Unchained’s Phil Geiger who noted that the web3 offering doesn’t natively support the oldest blockchain and its scaling layer, Lightning Network.
No native #bitcoin and lightning support? Seems like an oversight to ignore the most important cryptocurrency
— Phil Geiger (@phil_geiger) April 25, 2024
According to Geiger, the tech firm “ignored” the leading crypto, BTC. Another disgruntled crypto user said that the tech giant is “way behind.”
Breaking: @Google @googlecloud launches a web3 portal and its pretty terrible.https://t.co/qVqPpPY7YEhttps://t.co/gl8wb5k4UX
Not impressed #Google is way behind. pic.twitter.com/CblunHTDQ1
— MartyParty (@martypartymusic) April 24, 2024
Google’s Offering is “Comprehensive”
Those that supported Google Cloud’s web3 portal described it as “comprehensive” since it offers tools and tutorials to help web3 developers make the most out of the technology.
Google Cloud has launched a dedicated #Web3 portal, serving as a comprehensive resource for everything related to Web3 technologies.
— Same Festo (@IvaibiFesto) April 24, 2024
Google has over the months been increasing its interaction with the blockchain world. A year ago, for example, it launched a cloud-based Ethereum node. A few months later, it allowed NFT-based games on its app store. It also has partnerships with blockchain-focused firms like Near Protocol.
With Google Cloud’s web3 platform receiving mixed reactions from the community, it’s to be seen whether the division will affect its adoption.
