Sony Launches Soneium, a Layer-2 Blockchain, with Startale Labs

• Sony Group will launch its own blockchaincalled Soneium. It will be a Layer-2 (L2) blockchain on Ethereum.
• The Groupwill collaborate with Startale Labs, the company behind Astar Network, to build Soneium using Optimism's OP Stack technology.
• Sony wants to implement all its products into Soneium, like Sony Music, Sony Bank, and Sony Pictures. This could lead to significant crypto adoption among non-crypto users.

Sony Group, the multinational company behind the PlayStation, is now developing its own blockchain (called Soneium) with Startale Labs.

The blockchain is an L2 network built on Ethereum with OP Stack technology. The two companies formed Sony Block Solution Labs, a joint project in charge of Soneium.

The first year will focus on onboarding Web3 people, while the second year will see the inclusion of Sony products like Sony Pictures, Sony Music, and Sony Bank.

Let's see how the release of Soneium could lead to wider Web3 adoption and more crypto accessibility.

zkEVM Will Boost Soneium's Initial Liquidity

zkEVM, the technology behind Astar Network (one of the most popular blockchains on Polkadot), will be pooling its resources into Soneium for the test launch.

Astar zkEVM will be integrating its assets and underlying infrastructure with Soneium.Sony Block Solutions Labs

Sota Watanabe, director of Sony Block Solutions Lab, says the project will focus on expanding its user base during the first year.

However, they'll mainly look to the Web3 community, as general users likely aren't prepared to interact with the blockchain.

During the second year, Sony will start incorporating its products(like Sony Music), with all connected enterprises coming in three years.

With zkEVM backing it, Soneium should launch successfully and achieve the expected milestones (attracting developers and companies).

What Will Soneium Do for the Industry?

According to Sony Block Solutions Lab, Soneium could offer profit-sharing between creators and fansand implement protection of rights for creator-generated content.

Sony Group has strong distribution channels in multiple industries and existing users in our daily lives. Through Soneium, we will make something people want and go mainstream beyond Web3.Sota Watanabe, director of Sony Block Solutions Lab

The blockchain isn't out yet as Sony is preparing for the testnet launch (date not announced yet). In the coming weeks, they will release technical specifications and requirements for developers to engage with Soneium.

Through Soneium, the crypto industry could develop a longer-lasting presence in the non-crypto community, especially for companies.

Using Sony's blockchain technology, companies could start building products for consumers on the Ethereum network.

The blockchain will use Optimism's OP Stack (customizable toolkit), popularized by the Base blockchain and World Chain.

References

• Sony, Electronics Pioneer Behind Walkman, Starts Own Blockchain Soneium' (Coindesk)
• Sony Group teases launch of Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain with Startale Labs (Trading View)

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