Web 3.0 trends one step forward

Mobile devices and the cloud

It is widely recognized that the only thing that keeps constant online is change. In addition, it’s believed that the interest in innovations will increase during an economic downturn. Now, the growing interaction is constantly transforming the way online services are provided and used. According to tech expert Nova Spivack, the development of the Web has 10-year cycles; and we know, we can identify three different “Internet ages” now: the web 1.0, the web 2.0 and the web 3.0.

At the beginning, the web provided static information and people just read Web sites, but they rarely interacted with them.

Then, with web 2.0 things started to change as the Web became more social, collaborative and interactive, allowing users to comment and create social networks by linking one another; share content and subscribe to Web pages’ RSS.

And finally, the emerging Semantic Web, web 3.0 is transforming the Web. Web 3.0 is about the mobile devices and the cloud. Web 3.0 is defined as an environment in which high-quality content and services will revolutionize the traditional software industry. Eric Schmidt, Google’s CEO, said that while Web 2.0 was based on Ajax, Web 3.0 will be “applications that are pieced together” —with the characteristics that the apps are relatively small, the data are in the cloud, the apps can run on any device (PC or mobile), the apps are very fast and very customizable, and are distributed virally (social networks, email, etc).

In a nutshell, experts observe some of its key characteristics:

1)      Ubiquitous: Web access will be available anywhere, at any time through any channel or device. In this very moment there’re new companies creating location-based services and payment systems to make this possible.

2)      Individualized: information will be filtered and shared by friends or trust networks. Experts think the Web 3.0 will actually perform like a personal assistant; the more you use it, the more it will learn about your interests. It is believed that eventually you will be able to ask your browser where you should go for lunch. And according to your likes, dislikes and location; your digital buddy will guide you.

3)      Efficient: You will be able to find relevant and contextual information instantly. A Web 3.0 search engine will be able to interpret, beyond keywords, the context of your query, in order to suggest related information for a much more complete investigation online.

Nowadays and in the near future, Web 3.0 will become stronger and online customization and innovation will be expanded as the main key! But remember, the end is not even on sight, so be excited to see the next Web3D!

Sources:

• Eric Schmidt Defines Web 3.0
• What is Web 3.0? Characteristics of Web 3.0
• Jonathan Strickland. (2009). How Web 3.0 Will Work.
• Jessi Hempel (2009, Jan 8). Web 2.0 is so over. Welcome to Web 3.0.