A New “Super App” for the Internet’s Next Chapter? Let’s Talk About TOMI
Hey everyone, John here. Welcome back to the blog where we make sense of the fast-moving world of technology. Today, we’re looking at a new app that just launched called TOMI. The announcement describes it as a “Web3 Super App,” which probably sounds like a bunch of confusing jargon. Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!
Imagine if your favorite messaging app, your banking app, and your social media could all live together in one simple, private place. That’s the big idea behind TOMI. Let’s break down what this all means, piece by piece.
First Off, What’s a “Super App”?
This is a great place to start. Think of a “Super App” like a digital Swiss Army knife. Instead of having a separate tool for every single task, you have one tool that does a whole lot of different things.
Right now on your phone, you probably have:
- An app for chatting with friends (like WhatsApp or Messenger).
- An app for sending money (like PayPal or your bank’s app).
- An app for your online identity (like logging in with Google or Facebook).
- Apps for following creators you like (like YouTube or Instagram).
A Super App aims to combine all of that, and more, into one single application. The goal is to make your digital life simpler and more connected. Instead of jumping between a dozen different apps, you could theoretically do it all from one spot. The TOMI announcement says it’s building exactly this, but for the next generation of the internet.
Okay, So What on Earth is “Web3”?
That’s a fantastic question, and it’s one I hear a lot. I see my assistant Lila is already curious.
Lila says: “John, you lost me at ‘Web3.’ I’ve heard of the web, but what’s with the number 3? Is it just a newer version?”
Exactly, Lila! Think of the internet in different stages:
- Web1 (The “Read-Only” Web): This was the early internet of the 1990s. You could go to a website and read information, but you couldn’t really interact with it. It was like a giant digital encyclopedia.
- Web2 (The “Read-Write” Web): This is the internet most of us use today. Think of social media (Facebook, X), video sites (YouTube), and blogs. We can not only read content but also create and share our own. The catch is that a few giant companies own the platforms where all this happens. They control the data and the rules.
- Web3 (The “Read-Write-Own” Web): This is the new chapter that people are trying to build. The big idea behind Web3 is to give control back to the users. Instead of big companies owning everything, the internet would be built on shared, open technology that isn’t controlled by any single entity. It’s about you owning your data, your online identity, and your digital stuff.
So, when TOMI calls itself a “Web3 Super App,” it’s saying it wants to be that all-in-one app, but built on these new principles of user ownership and control.
What’s Inside the TOMI Super App?
The announcement mentions several key ingredients that TOMI is mixing together. Let’s look at each one.
1. Crypto-Native Chat
This sounds complicated, but let’s break it down.
Lila says: “Hold on, ‘crypto-native’? ‘Crypto’ makes me think of Bitcoin and all that confusing digital money stuff. What does it mean for a chat app to be ‘crypto-native’?”
Great question, Lila. You’re right, “crypto” is short for cryptocurrency, which is a type of digital money that isn’t controlled by any single bank or government. The word “native” here just means something was built from the ground up specifically for that world.
So, a “crypto-native chat” is a messaging service designed from day one to work seamlessly with this new digital world. This means it’s likely very focused on privacy and security, and it might have digital money features built right into the conversation. Imagine being able to chat with a friend and send them a little bit of money as easily as you’d send an emoji, all within the same secure window.
2. Simplified Payments
This connects directly to the “crypto” part. One of the big goals of Web3 is to make sending value across the internet as easy as sending an email. TOMI says it’s building in tools to “simplify payments.” In a Super App context, this could mean paying for an artist’s new song, tipping a writer for a great article, or splitting a bill with a friend, all without leaving the app or dealing with traditional banking hurdles.
3. Identity Tools
Right now, your online identity is often tied to a big tech company. You “Log in with Google” or “Log in with Facebook.” In this model, those companies hold the keys to your digital life.
Web3 and apps like TOMI want to change this. The “identity tools” mentioned in the article refer to a system where you control your own digital identity. Think of it like a digital passport that you hold, not a company. You decide what information to share and when. This gives you more privacy and control over who you are online.
4. Creator Monetization
This is a huge part of the Web3 promise. “Monetization” is just a fancy word for “making money.” So, “creator monetization” means helping creators—artists, musicians, writers, video makers—earn a living from their work.
In the current Web2 world, creators often have to rely on ad revenue or platform-specific programs, where the platform takes a big cut. TOMI’s app aims to include built-in tools that allow fans to support creators directly. This could be through direct payments, subscriptions, or buying unique digital items, all happening inside the same Super App where they chat and connect.
The Main Goal: A Private and Seamless Experience
The announcement wraps up by saying all of this is delivered in a “private, seamless interface for all users.” This is really the core of the whole project.
- Private: In a world where our data is constantly being tracked, the promise of true privacy is a big deal. Building on Web3 principles allows for more secure and private interactions.
- Seamless: This means “smooth and easy.” All this technology—crypto, digital identity, Web3—can be really complicated. The challenge for an app like TOMI is to hide all that complexity behind a simple, friendly screen that anyone can use without needing a computer science degree.
My Quick Thoughts
John’s take: The idea of a Super App for Web3 is incredibly ambitious. Trying to combine chat, payments, and identity into one smooth package is the holy grail for many developers right now. If TOMI can actually pull it off and make it truly easy for beginners to use, it could be a significant step in making the ideas of Web3 accessible to everyone, not just tech enthusiasts.
Lila’s take: Honestly, most of these terms were new to me. But breaking it down helps. The idea of having one app that does a lot of things makes sense, because my phone screen is so cluttered! And the thought of having more control over my own information online sounds really good. I’m curious to see if it’s actually as easy to use as they say it will be.
That’s all for today! It’s always exciting to see new projects trying to tackle big problems. We’ll keep an eye on TOMI and other apps like it and let you know how they develop. Stay curious!
This article is based on the following original source, summarized from the author’s perspective:
TOMI App launches the Super app of Web3: intuitive
crypto-native messaging and built-in monetization tools to simplify
payments