Google Cloud has introduced a new Web3 portal, offering a range of resources for blockchain developers. The portal includes training materials on data clusters and NFT creation, aiming to support developers in building and deploying decentralized applications. However, this move has generated mixed reactions within the cryptocurrency community.

Some industry experts, like Phil Geiger, Vice President of Product Marketing at Unchained, have criticized Google for overlooking Bitcoin in their Web3 portal. Geiger expressed his concerns via an X post on April 25, suggesting that Google's focus on other blockchain networks may be misguided.

On the other hand, crypto investor and analyst MartyParty seemed unfazed by Google's apparent lack of attention to Bitcoin. In an X post on April 26, MartyParty stated that he was not bothered by Google's approach, implying that the company's focus on other aspects of Web3 development may not be a significant issue.

Despite the criticism, some crypto experts have welcomed the launch of Google's Web3 portal. Ivaibi Festo, founder of Mitroplus Laboratories, praised the portal as a comprehensive resource in an X post on April 25. Festo highlighted the various features and learning opportunities available to developers through the portal.

The Web3 portal offers developers access to a range of products that enable them to deploy and test their decentralized applications on Ethereum test networks like Sepolia and Holesky. Additionally, developers can add test network tokens to their projects, expanding the functionality and usability of their applications.

Google's Web3 portal also includes a learning program that covers various aspects of blockchain development. Developers can access training materials on NFT development, implementing Web3 loyalty programs, and securing crypto assets using multi-party computation. These resources aim to equip developers with the necessary skills and knowledge to build robust and secure Web3 applications.

The launch of the Web3 portal is not Google's first foray into the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. The company has recently expanded its features to allow users to search wallet balances across multiple blockchain networks, including Bitcoin, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and Fantom. This functionality provides users with a convenient way to track their crypto holdings across different networks.

In early 2024, Google updated its advertising policies to allow the promotion of certain crypto products, such as Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, on major search engines. This move signaled a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies and related financial products within the company's advertising ecosystem.

Throughout 2023, Google focused on establishing partnerships to lay the groundwork for the Web3 portal launch. In October 2023, Google Cloud's BigQuery data storage protocol was integrated with MultiversX, enabling Web3 projects and users to leverage Google Cloud's powerful data analysis and artificial intelligence tools for valuable insights.

In September 2023, Google's BigQuery expanded its support to include 11 additional blockchain networks. These networks encompassed Avalanche, Arbitrum, Cronos, Ethereum's Görli test network, Fantom, Near, Optimism, Polkadot, Polygon's main network, Polygon's Mumbai test network, and Tron. This expansion demonstrated Google's commitment to providing developers with a diverse range of blockchain networks to build upon.

As Google continues to invest in Web3 technologies and support blockchain developers through initiatives like the Web3 portal, it remains to be seen how the company will navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications. While some may criticize Google's approach, others see the company's efforts as a significant step towards mainstream adoption and development of Web3 technologies.