How Widespread Use of Web3 Could be Fueled by Mobile Technologies

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) estimates that 49% of people use smartphones to access the internet worldwide.

From social media to software distribution, mobile technology has sparked rapid transformation that has eventually reshaped society and shaped behavior in mainly unexpected ways.

A number of Web3 companies are currently investigating ways to circumvent the restrictive app store policies found on traditional Big Tech platforms and lower the entry barrier for users who are having trouble with the complex user interfaces of current Web3 products by leveraging mobile hardware and operating systems to drive mass adoption of Web3.

Max Richter from the Aphone team, a decentralized Web3 operating system that runs on PCs, tablets, and smartphones, spoke about the impact of mobile technologies on Web3 adoption in an interview.

Richter clarified that publishing decentralized apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store is now proving to be difficult for several Web3 developers. Software creators have to deal with these retailers, who take a large portion of their money to offer their programs, even if they are accepted. Regarding the significant entrance hurdle that traditional app stores put on Web3 creators, the software developer said, – “A lot of due diligence goes in on that side if you’re really struggling to get your apps on board or improve the App Store, which is usually what we see the most.”

Richter also discussed how users don’t have to “fumble around trying to create wallets” or fall for complex phishing schemes; instead, mobile-style operating systems abstract away the mechanics of Web3 with intuitive touch icons and integrated wallets.

An example of how mobile pushing Web3

In late 2022, Solana announced the launch of the Solana Saga smartphone, an Android-powered mobile device that supports cryptocurrencies. This was a significant milestone for the company. It has a Solana wallet, native Web3 compatibility, and integrated decentralized apps.

The smartphone was advertised on websites like eBay for as much as $5,000 and swiftly sold out by November 2023, demonstrating the relative demand and interest in mobile gadgets.

SUI wagers on portable games

The SUI network revealed intentions to introduce the “SuiPlay0x1,” a portable gaming gadget that supports cryptocurrencies. This contraption reminds me of the Steam Deck, a portable gaming PC. Similar to the present strategy used by the Telegram Open Network, SUI’s entry into portable gaming is an attempt to introduce consumers to the cryptocurrency realm through games.

BytePlus, a branch of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, announced a collaboration with Mysten Labs, the organization behind the SUI blockchain, to investigate on-chain gaming solutions around the same time the portable game console was unveiled.