news This is how a healthy new top level domain looks

[DomainNameWire]

One thing that has become clear since new top level domains came onto the scene nearly a decade ago is that you can’t judge a TLD by the number of registrations. Registries have played all sorts of games to make themselves look more successful than they really are. Some gave domains away for free, and nearly all TLDs in the top 10 by registrations continue to offer first-year registrations for next to nothing....

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[Future Sensors]

One thing that has become clear since new top level domains came onto the scene nearly a decade ago is that you can’t judge a TLD by the number of registrations. Registries have played all sorts of games to make themselves look more successful than they really are. Some gave domains away for free, and nearly all TLDs in the top 10 by registrations continue to offer first-year registrations for next to nothing....

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Ty.

It also required sites using the domain to install an SSL certificate, which adds legitimacy to the namespace and cuts down on people using the domains for nefarious purposes because of the extra hoop they have to jump through.

This is true. But HSTS preload for the complete .app TLD is also the reason that we see a lot of broken TLS sites in the .app TLD.

 

[MadAboutDomains]

HSTS preload for the complete .app TLD is also the reason that we see a lot of broken TLS sites in the .app TLD.

Are the broken ones websites worth visiting?

 

[Future Sensors]

Are the broken ones websites worth visiting?

It is rare that I come across a .app website in my search results. Many of them are used to provide more information about an App, and often they are redirects to another TLD. The .app TLD reminds me of the failed .mobi TLD.

 

[Tewksbury]

Thank you Andrew for taking an objective look at .app TLD.

Here are some interesting data points that illustrate .app's rising success.

Time spent on mobile devices per day for US adults:

• 2021: 4.4 hrs
• 2020: 4.3 hrs
• 2019: 3.7 hrs
• 2018: 3.6 hrs
• 2017: 3.4 hrs
• 2016: 3.1 hrs
• 2015: 2.8 hrs
• 2014: 2.6 hrs
• 2013: 2.3 hrs
• 2012: 1.6 hrs
• 2011: 0.8 hrs
• 2010: 0.4 hrs

There appears to be correlation between time spent on mobile devices per day and Google’s (second quarter) revenue:

• 2021: $61.9 billion
• 2020: $38.3 billion
• 2019: $38.9 billion
• 2018: $32.7 billion
• 2017: $26.0 billion
• 2016: $21.5 billion
• 2015: $17.7 billion
• 2014: $15.9 billion
• 2013: $13.1 billion
• 2012: $11.8 billion
• 2011: $9.0 billion
• 2010: $6.8 billion

Here are some of the reasons why I'm bullish on .app TLD.

• .app TLD is backed and managed by Google, the same company that dominates in mobile, search, geo/maps, web browser, online advertising, AI/ML, etc.
• The .app TLD is one of only a few gTLDs that force HTTP Strict Transport Security and are also included in the HSTS preload list of all major web browsers.
• People understand and use apps everyday.
• Most native mobile apps are no longer financially justifiable, having been disrupted by web services delivered via progressive web app or PWA.
• Low-code / no-code PWA builders bring easy, cost-effective app development to SMBs.
• Microsoft has stated it expects 500 million new apps to be built in the next half decade, which is more than all the apps built in the last 40 years.
• Progressive web apps are mobile apps! PWAs are modern mobile websites that can look and function as well or better than native apps.
• .app domain names are the preferred extension for progressive web apps.
• PWAs are discover-able in Google search results and on the Google Play Store and Microsoft app store.
• Facebook just announced it will open the Oculus Store to 2D progressive web apps.

This is all good news for the domain name industry in general and for .app domain names in particular.

I predict 2022 will be another great year for .app TLD.

 

[Tewksbury]

Ty.

But HSTS preload for the complete .app TLD is also the reason that we see a lot of broken TLS sites in the .app TLD.

The reason you see any broken TLS sites is not because the entire .app TLD forces encryption and is included in the HSTS preload. It's because some .app domain name registrants did not properly configure their DNS and web host.

 

[Future Sensors]

The reason you see any broken TLS sites is not because the entire .app TLD forces encryption and is included in the HSTS preload. It's because some .app domain name registrants did not properly configuring their DNS and web host.

No.