Guide

Sony’s Continuing Role In Blockchain Technology, Web3 Infrastructure and the Metaverse

As technology continues to evolve, several groups are working hard to be key drivers of this technological growth. One of these companies that continues to play a role is Sony. Last year, the company announced that it is partnering up with the web3 startup Startale Labs to build its very own blockchain.

In simplified terms, a blockchain is a transactional ledger that is shared with several computer network nodes. They are used to keep a record of things — such as past transactions — and make data within them almost impossible to alter.

Blockchains are incredibly well-known for the part they play in digital currencies such as Bitcoin. However, their use cases can be implemented across various sectors. Today, crypto has a much bigger role in people’s lives than it did in the past. Several organizations are already starting to accept crypto as payment in various transactions such as in online shopping or acquiring real estate. It’s also becoming easier than ever to find an online casino site accepting Bitcoin. At crypto casinos like these, players can buy in, wager, and withdraw their winnings using crypto. Beyond online shopping, gaming, and real estate, crypto can be used to book travel, buy clothes, or even a car.

That said, experts always recommend that people first fully understand how cryptocurrencies work before they jump into the world of shopping with crypto, crypto gambling, or purchasing property with digital currencies.

In Sony’s recent venture agreement, a Startale Lab’s blog post stated that the companies are dedicated to creating a blockchain that will be the “backbone of global web3 infrastructure”. The partnership company was announced in September of 2023.

Web3 is a popular term that describes the next iteration of the World Wide Web (Internet). This new advancement will serve as a more decentralized internet that utilizes blockchain technology and crypto tokens.

With Sony and Startale Lab’s partnership, they are planning to be a key driver in the adoption of web3. In addition, Sony also plans to utilize their blockchain across the Metaverse — a virtual and immersive 3D world where users can work, shop, play games, and interact with one another.

All this makes complete sense seeing that the company has several groups under its name it can implement in the Metaverse. For instance, they own Sony PlayStation, Sony Pictures, Sony Bank, Sony Music, and much more. All of these brands are a perfect fit for the digital Metaverse world.

Furthermore, while Sony has created various gaming VR headsets, they have a project in the works with a different objective. Sony and Siemens are currently working together on an immersive VR headset for the industrial Metaverse. The final product will be a Sony head-mounted display that will work with Siemens’ Xcelerator designing software.

On the technical side, the headset will have a 4K OLED microdisplay as well as controllers that allow the wearer to interact with various 3D objects. As of writing, the VR headset is currently set to release later this year in December.

While Sony is yet to reveal further developments with the blockchain and its plans in the Metaverse, they recently announced that they own a crypto exchange — S.BLOX. This all started back in the middle of 2023 when Sony bought the company Amber Japan. Initially, everything within the organization operated as normally.

However, on July 1st, 2024 it was announced that the Japanese crypto exchange WhaleFin — where Amber Japan was the parent company — will change its name to S.BLOX. Thus, making Sony the owner of the crypto exchange.

In a statement, S.BLOX said that after the acquisition, they did implement several changes to the crypto offering. Furthermore, they also mentioned that they are working hard to bring new developments with the help of several Sony Group businesses.

At the end of the day, it is clear that Sony is a driving force for the adoption of Web3 and could position itself to have a massive impact on the ever-expanding Metaverse. While Sony is keeping many of their cards close to their chest, it is exciting to think what is still on the horizon.