Web3 Communication: Exploring Decentralized Connectivity

Introduction

Web3 communication is a means of facilitating direct interaction among decentralized accounts that lack ownership by any specific service or entity. This communication framework is primarily tailored for decentralized applications operating on blockchain technology. It enables users to establish direct connections without relying on a central server or intermediary.

Web3 messaging typically leverages a blend of existing decentralized technologies, including peer-to-peer networks, distributed ledgers, and cryptographic protocols. This amalgamation empowers advanced functionalities like end-to-end encryption, digital signatures, and decentralized storage. These features collectively bolster the security, privacy, and user control over messaging data.

Web Communication offers several advantages over traditional communication systems, such as:

• Decentralization: Web3 communication systems are not controlled by any single entity, making them more resistant to censorship and interference.
• Security: Web3 communication systems are built on blockchain technology, which is highly secure and tamper-proof.
• Privacy: Web3 communication systems give users more control over their data and privacy.
• Transparency: Web3 communication systems are typically transparent and auditable. This means that users can see how their data is being used and how the system is working.
• Openness: Web3 communication systems are typically open and accessible to everyone. This means that users do not need to create an account with a central authority to use the system.
• Innovation: Web3 communication is a rapidly evolving sector, and new and innovative products and services are emerging all the time. This means that users have a wide range of options to choose from.

Players in the Spotlight in Web3 Communication

Decentralized communication protocols are the foundation of the Web3 communication sector. Some of the most popular decentralized communication protocols include:

Matrix
Matrix is an open standard for interoperable, decentralized, real-time communication over IP. It's interoperable, meaning it is designed to interoperate with other communication systems, and being an Open Standard means it's easy to see how to interoperate with it. Matrix is decentralized, which means there is no central point - anyone can host their own server and have control over their data. it is designed to function in real-time, which means it is ideal for building systems that require immediate exchange of data, such as Instant Messaging.

Each user connects to a single server, this is their homeserver. Users can participate in rooms that were created on any Matrix server since each server federates with other Matrix servers. This means you can talk to anyone on any server. It also means you can host your own server, giving you control over all of your data. Self-hosting also gives you the ability to customize your server to fit your needs including giving you the ability to bridge to other chat networks (such as IRC, XMPP, Discord, Telegram, etc) or to host bots.

Tox
Tox is a peer-to-peer instant messaging and video-calling protocol that offers end-to-end encryption. The stated goal of the project is to provide secure yet easily accessible communication for everyone. An idea of developing a secure peer-to-peer messenger which would later turn into Tox sparked on an anonymous imageboard amidst the allegations that Skype provided NSA with access to their infrastructure and encryption, just before they were bought by Microsoft.

Features:

• Encryption of traffic: All traffic over Tox is end-to-end encrypted using the NaCl library, which provides authenticated encryption and perfect forward secrecy.
• Additional messaging features: Additional features like group messaging, voice and video calling, voice and video conferencing, typing indicators, message read-receipts, file sharing, profile encryption, and desktop streaming are supported to various degrees by mobile and desktop clients.
• Usability as an instant messenger: Though several apps that use the Tox protocol seem similar in function to regular instant messaging apps, the lack of central servers similar to XMPP or Matrix currently has the consequence that both parties of the chat need to be online for the message to be sent and received.

XMTP
XMTP (Extensible Message Transport Protocol) is an open protocol and network for secure web3 messaging, that allows communication between blockchain accounts. It’s a perfect platform for Web 3.0 dApps to establish convenient communication for their users. Currently, Lens Protocol Apps use XMTP for exchanging messages between users across applications.

Key point of XMTP is that it stores all messages, which are tied not to the client app, but to web identities. These web identities possess their own portable inbox that can be accessed by using an app built with XMTP. Portable inbox allows users to own their messages, and send, receive, and view them in any client app connected to the XMTP network. Like a bridge, protocol connects apps, users, and communities in the Web 3.0 ecosystem.

Currently available few XMTP utilities:

• User-to-user direct messages: Direct messaging helps users connect and build community with one-to-one messaging.
• App-to-user notifications: Apps can always keep users informed with timely event-based notifications.
• Creator-to-community announcements: Apps can deliver important news to their users.

Coinbase Wallet Messaging

Coinbase Wallet Messaging is a new feature that lets users send messages from within their app to other wallet addresses. Your messages within the platform are private, encrypted end-to-end, and can be transferred to other supported wallets. Coinbase Wallet Messaging is built on XMTP (Extensible Message Transport Protocol), a decentralized, secure, private communication layer that enables messaging between blockchain accounts.

Features:

• Connect and Invite Others: You can interact with your contacts through their crypto wallets, regardless of location. It also has QR Code integration that allows easy and quick connectivity with other users.
• Make Crypto Payments: Coinbase Wallet messaging lets you make crypto payments. You can send cryptocurrencies to your contacts without leaving the platform through a send crypto feature within the chat inbox.
• Take Your Messages Anywhere: You own your messages and can transfer them to any other wallet with XMTP support. This reduces the dependence on third-party platforms that have access to your chats.
• Approval System: To keep away spammers, Coinbase has implemented an approval system. As a user, you'll have to accept invitations from new contacts before they can communicate with you. This gives you time to review new contacts before engaging.

Sending.Network

Sending.Network is an open, secure Web3 communications protocol that powers decentralized user interactions, enabling users to chat, trade and socialize seamlessly within and across applications and platforms. Composability is key in the new open world. With Sending.Network’s SDK, developers can easily integrate social features such as in-app/ cross-app chat and notifications, wallet and Decentralized ID (DID) login, NFT trading and management. With these easy-to-install next-generation communications features, developers can focus on creating amazing user journeys for their core product, be it gaming, wallet or other yet-to-be-created DApps.

Features:

• Controlling one’s online identity: It uses wallet-based IDs that are controlled by a user’s private key, ensuring that the user fully owns their account across multiple platforms and DApps.
• Rich Communications: It provides encrypted wallet-to-wallet communications, including one-on-one chat, group chat, and real-time voice and video communications. Users are free to share videos, images and files across the network.
• Private communications and storage: Data such as account information and social networking data, is protected by using the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) for reliable, decentralized, and secure storage. Only the user determines what is shared.
• Notifications: It provides a universal inbox to receive messages from DApps and wallets. This allows users to receive time-sensitive DApp notifications, such as an NFT floor price drop or an imminent liquidation of a lending protocol’s position.

Status

Status is an open source messaging platform and web 3.0 browser, designed to interact with decentralized applications that run on the Ethereum Network. Built using decentralized technologies, Status provides a window into the emerging decentralized web. As an ecosystem of decentralized applications, Status becomes a gateway to undeniable free trade, peer-to-peer payments, and encrypted p2p communication for anyone with a smartphone and internet access.

The Status application, which is currently in alpha, and available for Android & iOS, allows users to:

• Send and receive encrypted messages, smart contracts, and payments.
• Browse, chat, and interact with decentralized applications and decentralized chatbots.
• Store and control crypto-assets with the built-in Status Wallet.

dm3 Protocol

The dm3 protocol is a modular messaging protocol based on web3 technology. The lean base protocol (DM3MTP — the dm3 message transport protocol) is designed to be the foundation layer for secure communication and an interoperability protocol to exchange messages with other messaging services or protocols.

The protocol’s architecture is modular and further protocol extensions can be built on top of it. Optional features such as increased privacy, group chats, public feeds, billboard chats, spam protection, notifications, storage, and more can be added as needed.

The protocol is built on two foundations:

• A central registry (based on ENS — Ethereum Name Service) of information for encrypted communication (public keys for encryption and signature validation, information on where and how to deliver messages), and
• Independent, self-sovereign delivery service nodes that act as relays for delivered messages or as a gateway to other services or protocols.

Push Protocol (prev. EPNS)

In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3, efficient and decentralized communication is paramount. Whether it's notifying users about a governance proposal, delivering critical DeFi updates, or enabling peer-to-peer interactions, a robust communication protocol is essential. Enter Push Protocol, a groundbreaking blockchain-agnostic decentralized communication protocol that's poised to transform the Web3 experience.

Push Protocol is a decentralized communication protocol for Web3! Using which any dApps, smart contracts, backends or protocols can send communication (starting with on-chain / off-chain / gasless notifications) tied to user wallet addresses in an open, gasless, multichain, and platform agnostic fashion. The open communication layer allows any crypto wallet/front end to tap into the network and get the communication across.

Features:

Push protocol is the Web3 protocol that is trying to bridge the communication gap between the end user and the Decentralized Applications, they are trying to do that by developing various products such as:

Push Notifications

Push Notifications enable any smart contract, dApp, or backend service to send real-time, critical information directly to users' wallet addresses. This feature enhances user engagement and keeps users informed about essential updates.

Push Notification addresses a significant void in the Web3 ecosystem, enhancing the daily experience for blockchain enthusiasts. These notifications and other forms of communication occur off-chain, eliminating the need for users to spend gas, except in cases where a smart contract initiates the communication. In such instances, the smart contract shoulders a slightly higher gas fee to ensure the secure transmission of the payload on the blockchain.

Push Chat (Wallet-to-Wallet Chat)

Push Chat is a web3 messaging protocol enabling wallet addresses to send and receive messages, without relying on typical personal identifiers like phone numbers or email addresses. It enhances security and privacy, surpassing traditional messaging apps, and enables unique web3 features such as token-gated experiences, anonymous chat, and secure key-based communication.

The Push Chat protocol revolutionizes web3 messaging, offering secure, encrypted communication stored on IPFS for a shared chat experience. It empowers wallet addresses (or other web3 identities like NFTs) with communication capabilities, unlocking native web3 features

Push Video

Push Video is the first wallet-to-wallet video chat that allows web3 users to video chat with each other live. What can you do with Push Video? Well, anything you do with video today. Social chats, business meetings, customer support, streaming, gaming, telehealth, education and coaching — the list goes on.

The Push Video SDK enables decentralized wallet-to-wallet video calls, chain-agnostic and adaptable for dApps. It seamlessly integrates with web applications (React, vanilla JavaScript) for various uses like customer support, project collaboration, social networking, and education. Elevating user experiences, ensuring security, and enabling real-time assistance.

Dynamics of Choice:

The dynamics of choice in the Web3 communication sector are complex and evolving. However, some of the key factors that influence user preferences include:

• Privacy and security: Users are increasingly concerned about their privacy and security online. Web3 communication tools and applications that prioritize privacy and security are more likely to attract users.
• Ease of use: Users are also looking for Web3 communication tools and applications that are easy to use and navigate.
• Features and functionality: Users are more likely to use Web3 communication tools and applications that offer the features and functionality that they need.
• Community: Users are more likely to use Web3 communication tools and applications that are supported by active and engaged communities.

In addition to these factors, other factors that could influence user preferences include:

• Cost: Some Web3 communication tools and applications may have a higher cost than traditional communication systems. This could be a barrier to adoption for some users.
• Scalability: As the Web3 communication sector grows, it is important to ensure that Web3 communication tools and applications are scalable to meet the needs of a growing user base.
• Interoperability: It is also important to ensure that Web3 communication tools and applications are interoperable with each other. This will allow users to communicate with each other regardless of the Web3 communication tool or application that they are using.

Synthesis

Web3 communication is a rapidly evolving sector with the potential to revolutionize the way we interact online. Key players in this sector are developing decentralized communication protocols, blockchain-based messaging apps, and Web3 social media platforms that offer users more control over their data and privacy, while also providing innovative features and functionality.

Overall, the Web3 communication sector is a rapidly evolving and exciting space. It is still early days, but there is a lot of potential for innovation and disruption. As new technologies emerge and new user needs arise, we can expect to see new Web3 communication tools and applications emerge that meet these needs.

Conclusion

Web3 communication is a new and exciting sector with the potential to revolutionize the way we interact online. By leveraging blockchain technology, Web3 communication tools and applications can offer users more control over their data and privacy, while also providing innovative features and functionality. As the Web3 communication sector continues to evolve, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments and emerging trends. This will help us to better understand the potential impact of Web3 communication on our personal and professional lives.