As of the time of writing, there is no top-level domain (TLD) that carries the extension ‘.new’. Top-level domains are the highest level of domain names in the root zone of the internet’s domain name system (DNS). Common TLDs include .com, .net, .org, .edu, .gov etc. They are generally managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)(source: www.icann.org).
In October 2018, Google Registry introduced a new idea for functional domain endings — “.new” shortcuts. The concept is, by simply entering a .new domain into your browser, you could be taken directly to a blank template to create something new. For example, ‘doc.new’ opens a fresh, brand-new Google Document, ‘sheet.new’ immediately takes you to a blank Google Sheet, ‘slide.new’ for a new Google Slides presentation and so on (source: new.blog.google).
However, these shortcuts are domain hacks, and are not standalone top-level domains but second-level domains under the .new TLD. The .new TLD itself was requested by Charleston Road Registry Inc., a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., during the 2012 round of the New gTLD Program by ICANN. It is not open for public registration and is currently being used exclusively by Google for the aforementioned shortcuts initiative.
As of 2020, Google has opened up these .new shortcuts to other businesses besides their own products. Companies such as Spotify, Microsoft, and GitHub have applied and been approved for .new shortcuts of their own. ‘playlist.new’ takes you to a new Spotify playlist, ‘story.new’ kicks off a new post in Microsoft’s Sway, and ‘repo.new’ initiates a new GitHub repository, to give a few examples (source: www.theverge.com).
The use of .new TLD as a kind of internet shortcut for task creation is a unique concept that brings a new level of functionality and creativity to domain usage. However, it is currently strictly controlled by Google and organizations approved by it for their specific applications.
In summary, while the .new TLD exists, it’s crucial to understand that it serves a unique functionality and is not freely available for public registration. It’s essentially a proprietary tool designed and controlled by Google, used to enhance user ease and productivity. Any current or potential use of the .new TLD must be through Google’s process and under its discretion.
Sources:
1. ICANN – https://www.icann.org/
2. Google – https://new.blog.google/
3. The Verge – https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065528/google-new-shortcuts-spotify-microsoft-adobe-discord-ease-of-access-domain-name
