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Sony has officially launched the mainnet of its Singapore-based Soneium blockchain.
Sony Block Solutions Labs' (Sony BSL) Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain solution went live following its testnet debut in August 2024, which saw 15.4 million active wallet addresses and over 50 million total transactions to date.
Blockhead
Soneium is designed to be the foundational layer for the next generation of the internet. The platform aims to create a decentralized, user-centric ecosystem that lowers barriers to entry into the Web3 space.
Developed with Optimism blockchain's ecosystem OP Stack, which allows developers to create their own networks using Optimism's technology, Soneium serves as a public blockchain to empower individuals and communities to innovate and collaborate with blockchain technology.
It aims to bridge the Web2-Web3 gap by emphasizing intuitive designs and simplifying blockchain interactions.
Today is the day. Soneium Mainnet is LIVE! 💿
— Soneium 💿 (@soneium) January 14, 2025
Launched by Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL), a @Sony Group company, Soneium is a Layer 2 blockchain that empowers creators, fans, and communities to protect their rights, connect globally, and build an open internet that… pic.twitter.com/4pTxYdueHY
"Sonieum is built on the belief that technology should transcend boundaries and empower everyone to innovate and collaborate,"said Jun Watanabe, Sony BSL chairman.
"At Sony Block Solutions Labs, we're proud to drive the development of a platform that redefines how people interact with the internet, creating new possibilities for communities and creators worldwide."
Sota Watanabe, director of Sony BSL, added, "By simplifying blockchain interactions through intuitive platforms and real-world applications, Soneium empowers creators and users alike to embrace the next era of the internet. From protecting intellectual property to fostering global fan engagement, we're making it easier for anyone to innovate and connect in meaningful ways."
Sony Entertainment and Sony Music are set to be the first subsidiaries to build onchain.
Last year, Sony invested in Startale Labs, which is the founder of Astar Network. The Singapore joint venture, Sony Block Solution Labs, is owned 90% by Sony. Sota Watanabe serves as the CEO of Startale Labs and the director of Sony Block Solutions Labs.
The “first year is all about onboarding Web3 people, because technology-wise and the community-wise, it is a little bit early to onboard the general users,” Watanabe said.
“And then phase two, within two years, we're going to onboard Sony products, such as, Sony Bank, Sony Music, Sony Pictures and so on. So we would like to integrate Web3 and blockchain technology into Sony's product. And in three years, we would like to onboard not only Sony, but also all enterprises and all general dapps on the top of it.”
