domain names
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Google wants to sell you your next domain name
Right now, it's possible to buy a domain name using Google services. You can start the process on Google's own pages, process the transaction through Google Wallet and manage that domain through Google Apps -- but you didn't actually buy that domain from Google. That's about to change. Today the search giant announced that it's testing Google Domains, a registration service that will shift the company away from its dependence on companies like GoDaddy and eNom.
Yahoo frees up a slew of domain names; Sandwich.com could be yours for $100,000
Is an already-taken domain name all that's keeping you from an exciting new business venture? Provided you're looking for some very specific web real estate, Yahoo has some great news for you. On its Tumblr today, the company announced that it's freeing up "well over a hundred premium domain names" for bidding. The list includes such illustrious addresses as "chillertheater.com," "cyberjokes.com" and "religious.net." The cheapest option will start at $1,000 (for "batoota.com"), while the prized "av.com" will set you back at least $1,000,000. But let's be honest: the real winner here is whoever scoops up "sandwich.com."
Blizzard files complaint over Heroes of Warcraft domain name
Blizzard is playing the domain name game of late, according to a blurb at Fusible. The website reports that the gaming juggernaut has "made a number of domain acquisitions," including StarCraft.com and WarcraftBattles.com, over the past year. The company has also filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum in order to expedite a transfer of control for the HeroesofWarcraft.com domain name from a private owner. It's unclear what Blizz intends to do with the name, though it did register HeroesofWarcraft.co.uk in September.
ICANN shows the full generic TLD application list, Google's bidding splurge
ICANN told us that June 13th was the golden day that we'd get to see all of the initial applications for generic top-level domains (gTLDs), and the full list has surfaced on cue. The early roster shows a lot of competition for certain domains -- we're seeing a baker's dozen in companies trying for .app alone. Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and other companies are understandably trying to protect their brand names, but we're just now seeing the full extent of Google's gTLD madness: we're counting 101 instances in which the search firm has tentatively pulled the $185,000 trigger. ICANN still has to settle on which bidders get the domains they want, though, and there's no certainty that Google will fulfill its dreams. When even the cherished .lol domain has a challenger, you know the competition is getting fierce.
ICANN stops taking custom domain names at 7PM ET, details the TLD explosion June 13th
ICANN anticipated that we'd see the first fruits of its open season on top-level domains (TLDs) roughly a year after the hunt began; sure enough, it's winding down applications tonight. If you have the $185,000 plus $25,000 per year to make a domain your own, you've got until midnight GMT (7PM ET) to get that custom spin on the web. Don't think that you'll get the rubber stamp right away, though. ICANN plans to detail the requests on June 13th and consider any objections over similarity or multiple bids for the same name. If all goes smoothly, the first generic TLDs will be active within nine months, while those who face a fight could be waiting roughly one to two years. We're just hoping someone had the courtesy to pick up .gadget for us -- not that ICANN's worried about a gap in registrations after taking $352 million in fees and over 2,000 applications so far.
The SOPAbox: Defeating online piracy by destroying the internet
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column. Unless you've been living under a rock, chances are you've heard of SOPA and PIPA. The Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act are two radical pieces of copyright legislation currently being pushed through the US government. Although the stated intent of the new legislation is to provide companies with additional tools with which to combat piracy, the bill's loose wording has raised some serious alarm bells. Opponents to the proposed law say it would give corporations the ability to shut down any almost any website under the guise of protecting copyright infringement. Gamers will be affected worst of all, as the loose wording of the law makes any website with user-submitted content potentially vulnerable to a shut down order. That could include YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, any blog with a comment section, or even any online game with a chat system. Perhaps the scariest part is that you'll be affected even if you're not in the US, as one of the new law's enforcement mechanisms is to remove a site from the DNS records, a move that assumes the US has jurisdiction over the global Domain Name System. AOL is among many huge companies strongly opposing SOPA, and so naturally Massively opposes it too. In this week's massive two-page Soapbox, I make the case for why you should be worried about SOPA, and I suggest what can be done to tackle piracy in the games industry. Comments can be left on page two.
Chanel counterfeiters beware: US federal court orders domain names seized and de-indexed
We're well versed in the art of the gadget KIRF 'round these parts, but counterfeiting's a problem faced by the fashion world, too. Chanel filed suit in federal court to stop hundreds of websites from selling KIRFs of its gear, and the judge recently ordered the seizure and transfer of those domain names to GoDaddy to hold in trust until the case is resolved. It was also decreed that they be stricken from the indices of search engines and social media -- including, but not limited to Bing, Google, Facebook, and Twitter. So it seems the federal courts have obtained the ability to order that legal remedy (the de-indexing) be given by companies not party to a lawsuit (Google, et al), though we know of no law granting it such powers. Of course, we can't know for sure until one of the accused copycat sites decides to lawyer up and fight back. Until then, fashion KIRFs beware: the feds can apparently wipe every trace of you from the internet.
Apple takes on porn sites in domain name dispute
Apple has filed a complaint with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) against seven domain names featuring the word iPhone that forward to mobile porn sites -- including one site called iPhone4s.com. The latter is especially worrisome, since it matches the name of Apple's new and best-selling handset. The iPhone4s.com site was registered in August of 2008, well before the unveiling of the iPhone 4S in October of 2011. Apple owns domains for iPhone4.com, but iPhone3GS and iPhone 3G are actually non-Apple sites. Some of the other domains targeted in the WIPO complaint include iphonecamforce.com, iphonecam4s, and porn4iphones. All are hardcore sites that Apple does not wish to be associated with, plus they use Apple's product name in the domain name. Apple has used WIPO successfully in domain name disputes, most recently when the organization ordered the owners of iPods.com to transfer the domain name to Apple. Apple doesn't always resort to WIPO in these situations. Last year, they spent a rumored US$4.5 million to purchase the domain iCloud.com from Swedish cloud computing firm Xcerion. But in this case, the company obviously doesn't want potential customers to get a surprise when they're just looking for information about iPhones, so they're going to WIPO for satisfaction.
ICANN's .XXX domain names have arrived, Frankie says relax
Let's try to be sensible about this. When one or more persons love each other very much -- no, erm, let's start again. The controversial move to segregate websites of an adult nature to the .XXX domain has begun. The process is staggered across three months to ensure nothing untoward can happen. On September 7th, the 50-day "Sunrise A & B" programs began, Sunrise A is where adult website and trademark holders can claim their domains as the legitimate owner; At the same time, Sunrise B lets non-adult websites like The Weather Channel claim their domain names to prevent it being used for a very different sort of forecast. There will then be an 18-day Land Rush period, where non-trademarked sites can register and conflicts are resolved with auctions. By December 6th, registration opens to everyone -- just in time for XXXMas.
Google files trademark for 'Spot,' programming language to follow?
It looks as though our old pal in Mountain View might have its sights set on developing another programming language. Avid coders probably recall the company's Go offering that was announced last year. Now, Google is looking to stake its claim on the trademark for "Spot." Sorting through the USPTO mumbo jumbo, it's clear that the project centers on a coding language and its related computer programs. Also of note: the internet powerhouse gobbled up four case-related domains including spotlang.com, spotlanguage.net, spot-lang.com and spot-lang.net. For those looking to See Spot Run, perhaps you'll be able to sprint over to the aforementioned URLs in due time. [Photo credit: brionv]
Amazon snatches up Kindle related domains, Kindle Air rumors start circulating
Honestly, we're not sure what to make of all the rumors and leaks surrounding Amazon recently. It's safe to assume the company is working on a tablet, and we're long overdue for an update to E-Ink Kindle. But, a recent round of domain registrations has sent the interwebs into a tizzy with some suggesting a new product, dubbed the Kindle Air, is in the pipeline. Though Amazon's name doesn't appear anywhere in the registrant information for Kindleair.com, the name MarkMonitor does -- the firm Bezos and crew just used to register kindlesocialnetwork.com and kindlesocialnetworking.com. Now, companies pickup domains all the time just to protect their brand, and it seems a bit odd that Amazon would choose a moniker so similar to a particular sliver of aluminum and silicon out of Cupertino. Unfortunately, we'll just have to wait and see if an even lighter and thinner e-reader is on its way from the Seattle company.
Microsoft snatches up a pair of Sony related domains, internet runs amok with rumors
Companies snatching up domain names to protect their brand is nothing new, nor is it particularly interesting (unless that company happens to be Bank of America, and the domain in question is BrianMoynihanSucks.com). But, a recent a pair of recent registrations by Microsoft has piqued our curiosity. The folks at Redmond picked up both Microsoft-Sony.com and Sony-Microsoft.com, which has spurred speculation that everything from a Sony-Ericsson WP7 handset to a PlayBox 720 is on its way. The move is worth noting if only because the company doesn't own similar domains, like LG-Microsoft.com or HTC-Microsoft.com. Of course, it could be something as mundane as a joint marketing campaign for Sony laptops or nothing at all -- we'll just have to wait and see. [Thanks, Joonas]
Activision registers domains for 'GoldenEye 007 Reloaded'
Internet sleuth @supererogatory discovered some recent domain name registrations made by Activision, which point at a potential re-release of 2010's Wii exclusive, GoldenEye 007. "GoldenEyeReloadedGame.com," "GoldenEye007GameReloaded.com," "GoldenEyeReloaded007.com" and "GoldenEye007Reloaded.com" were the four URLs the Santa Monica-based publisher snagged. Now, while the possibility of a new and improved Wii game isn't out of the question, we're inclined to think that Activision is thinking about consoles other than the Wii -- specifically, PlayStation Move functionality. Of course, fans have been clamoring for a remake of the original GoldenEye 007 on N64 since they looked up the word clamor and realized it was what they were doing; unfortunately, with original developer Rare now owned by Microsoft, that path is legally perilous. Activision has not made any announcements concerning these domain names.
Apple goes on a domain name shopping spree
Apple has bought at least 50 domain names in the last three days. While many of the domain names are related to features of Lion or iOS 5 that were introduced at WWDC on Monday, it's unlikely Apple will use most of the domain names as active URLs. Instead, Apple probably just snapped them up to keep squatters from getting them. After all, it's got to be tiring going after every single person who buys a domain with one of your trademarks in it. Here's a complete list of the domain names:
ICANN has .xxx domain names? Yes!
The controversial step to approve .xxx domain names has today been taken by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, paving the way for a whole slew of new addresses suffixed by the famous triplicate x. Funnily enough, before the decision was made today, opposition to it was proffered by both conservative groups opposed to pornography and adult entertainment companies fearing they'd be more easily compartmentalized and potentially blocked by overzealous governments. Moreover, every popular adult website at present will pretty much be forced to buy its .xxx version, which, for an industry famous for its frugality, will be an understandably tough pill to swallow. We are surprised not to see the people of Amsterdam consulted, however -- their city's emblem features three Xs too, shouldn't they have a say in this? A further meeting is scheduled by ICANN for June 20th to discuss opening up all possible domain name suffixes to registration, pending the validation of a set of guidelines for approval. That's looking quite likely to be passed too, as the AFP sagely notes that there's a celebratory party scheduled for two days after the event. URLs are about to get a lot more varied, it seems; they're certainly going to feature a lot more of the (English) alphabet's 24th letter, whatever the case.
Verizon grabbing iPhone domains
A report circulating over the holiday weekend suggests Verizon is buying up Verizon iPhone-related domain names in anticipation of an impending CDMA iPhone launch. The domain names, iphoneonverizon.com and iphoneforverizon.com, were transferred to Verizon Wireless Trademark Services, LLC, a company that also holds the main Verizonwireless.com domain. While hopes are high that Apple and Verizon will unveil a new iPhone model in the upcoming months, the purchase of a few domain names is not a reliable indicator of an impending launch. As MacRumors points out, the domain names in question, iphoneonverizon.com and iphoneforverizon.com, were transferred to Verizon Wireless back in 2008, but have sat idle in the intervening years. Rather than a dummy page at Verizon, the domains apparently still point to the original link farms. If Verizon had big plans for these domains, they most likely would not point to a worthless link farm. In the end, this rumor does little to confirm or deny the existence of an upcoming Verizon iPhone. We do think a Verizon iPhone is possible in the future, but we need more evidence than a few domain names to convince us that its debut is right around the corner. Show us a CDMA model you picked up in a bar, and then we can have this conversation again.
US government seizes domain names, claims to have a warrant
We're all for bashing botnets, but the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may have crossed a line -- in the midst of nabbing counterfeiters this weekend, the government organization seized the domains of a torrent meta-tracker and a trio of music sites. Today, the picture above is the only thing you'll see if you go to Torrent-Finder.com, RapGodFathers.com, Dajaz1.com or OnSmash.com, as the ICANN domain registration for the four are now in the ICE's possession, presumably on suspicion of piracy. If you ask the original domain owners however, they'll vehemently refute such allegations -- the torrent site reportedly didn't even distribute torrents themselves, merely cross-referenced other sites that do, and a RapGodFathers representative told TorrentFreak that it had complied with all DMCA takedown notifications. Apparently the websites and servers themselves are still intact, and it's only the URLs at stake, as two of the four websites are already up and running at domains ending in .info. We have to admit, this particular brand of domain squatting could be an intriguing business model. Expect "seized domains" to be tacked onto the laundry list of "Valuable Items You Too Can Buy at Government Auction!" any day now. [Thanks, Brian]
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Driver: San Francisco domains registered by Ubisoft
Thanks to a good catch by Superannuation, we may now know the title of Ubisoft's proposed follow-up to Assassin's Creed 2: "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood." That's the name of a currently inactive domain registered by Ubisoft earlier this year. Additionally, the publisher has scooped up "driversanfranciscogame.com," which could be the name and location of the announced Driver reboot. "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood" would certainly be a suitable name for what's expected to be the first game in the series with "an online multiplayer mode" (not counting the iPhone game, of course). As for "Driver: San Francisco," what better place to jump start the drained franchise? Some of the world's greatest feats of driving have taken place in San Fran, after all. Ever seen the movie Bullit? Have you played San Francisco Rush? Don't tell us you missed San Francisco Rush 2049!
Apple seizes 16 domain names from squatter
Apple dropped the hammer on a domain squatter the other day, reclaiming sixteen different domain names in one fell swoop. The company filed a complaint a while back against a guy named Daniel Bijan, who didn't bother to fight his case at all (not that he has one), and the result earlier this week gives them the rights to all of them. They run the gamut from iphonecheap.com to macbookpro.com (how did Apple not own that one?), and as of this writing, we couldn't find any that were actually being used by Apple yet -- they all seem to point to either a blank Apache page or a simple domain placeholder. And as you may have noticed, there are no secrets here -- macfriend.com is probably just a stab in the dark on the part of the domain squatter, and ipodsbaratos.com means "iPods cheap" in Spanish. Just Apple reclaiming some of their rightful web space.
DomainBrain 1.1
The Iconfactory's Anthony Piraino has just released the latest version of his domain management tool, DomainBrain. If you aren't familiar with DomainBrain, it is a really, really slick way to keep track of all of your domain information, like various logins, directories, passwords, in one nice and tidy place.We've covered DomainBrain in the past and although I initially rebuked the idea of a program for domain management, I can honestly say it has turned out to be incredibly useful. Instead of sifting through e-mails or keychain files to find the specific login for something that has a common username, I have a nice looking repository for all my information.The newest version of the software introduces the ability to make duplicate domains, which is really helpful if you are anything like me and have 12 domains associated with the same account. DomainBrain makes it easier to just change the necessary details and not have to recreate the whole template. My favorite new feature is the integrated WHOIS information, which will show you what nameservers your domain is on and when the domain expires. This makes it super easy to check when all of your domains are up for renewal, without having to manually do a WHOIS search for each address. I better make sure my domain is on auto-renew! DomainBrain is free for up to four domains. If you need to store the information for more than four domains, it's $14.99. DomainBrain is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and up.
