Google opens up .Fresh: Spotify, eBay and OpenTable on board
Type in a domain name to create a fresh Spotify playlist, sell something on eBay or open a fresh GitHub repository.
Google is opening up its .fresh top level domain name to third parties that wish to use the domain for “action generation.”
The firm started using the domain as a shortcut regarding a year ago. For example, if you type doc.fresh in your browser, it will create a fresh Google Doc.
Now, third parties will be able to register .fresh domains as long as they use them to start an action or workflow.
Some of the firms by now on board include:
- Playlist.fresh: Create a fresh playlist to add songs on Spotify.
- Story.fresh: Write on Medium.
- Sell.fresh: Help people get exactly what they want through eBay.
- Reservation.fresh: Enter reservation.fresh to make an OpenTable reservation at the best restaurants near you.
- Webex.fresh: For an easy, fast, and secure way to start your personal meeting room from any browser, try this shortcut from Cisco Webex.
- Repo.fresh: Open fresh GitHub repositories and gists.
The firm is running the ICANN-mandated sunrise for trademark holders through January 14. Sunrise registrations do not need to activate an action or workflow.
Firms can start applying for .fresh domains on December 2. They must create an action or workflow within 100 days of receiving the domain to remain in compliance.
This is one of the more innovative things a firm has done with a fresh top level domain. It also gives emphasis to typing in domains, showing how it’s the most direct way to visit websites.
The problem, as I see it, is that it’s backwards. My wife tells me she loves the docs shortcut, but frequently types fresh.doc instead of doc.fresh.
