NEO Name Service (NNS) has recently announced the launch of its .neo domain name registration service on TestNet. Robbie Wang of NewEconoLabs posted a tutorial alongside the announcement, which guides users through the process of registering a TestNet domain name.

NEO Name Service will allow users to purchase domain names with a .neo top level domain (TLD). The names can then be used as an alias for public keys and smart contract addresses, to improve the usability of of the blockchain. Instead of a long and complicated string, users will be able to send funds to an easily recognisable name such as “banana.neo”.

A summary of the process is as follows:

  1. Use the TestNet website to create or log-in to a wallet.
  2. Claim 10 free TestNet GAS from the homepage (once per day limit)
  3. Use the ‘SGas Exchange’ page to trade TestNet GAS for the NEP-5 SGas token, bound at a ratio of 1:1
  4. Use the ‘Top Up’ function on the NNS(.neo) page to deposit SGas into the auction account
  5. Scroll down to the ‘Neo Name Auction’ section and enter a desired domain name to bid on
  6. The highest bidder at the auction conclusion will win the domain name, which can be claimed on the ‘Domain Name Details’ page

After winning a domain name, users can use the ‘Domain Management’ page to set up an address resolver, which will then enable them to use address mapping to translate the .neo domain to their public address. Domains are valid for one year, and will require renewal on an annual basis.

Users are recommended to send feedback to the team if any issues are encountered during the process, as this is the final round of testing prior to the MainNet launch of NNS. The MainNet launch is currently expected to occur in late August or early September.

SGas itself will not be bought or sold, instead it can be converted directly to or from GAS on the NNS website once the MainNet is active. Alternatively, NNC holders will passively receive SGas in their auction account depending on the quantity of SGas being used to bid for .neo domains. In a sense, NNC tokens represent a share in the company selling rights to .neo domains, whereas SGas is used as the bidding currency.

More information on NewEconoLabs and NEO Name Service can be found at the links below.