Before going on to Web 3.0, you need to ask yourself: “Do I understand Web 2.0 well enough?” If you do, then you can skip the paragraph as well. But if you don’t, keep reading right from here.

The term first came up in 2004 in a brainstorming session between O’Reilly Media and MediaLive International. One of the Internet buzzwords that rooted into the public consciousness, even though most didn’t quite understand what it meant. It was during this debate that Tim O’Reilly The CEO and founder of O’Reilly Media, coined the term. He used it to denote a different web environment that would emerge after the ‘dot-com bust’. O’Reilly later, through a blog post, went on to give a definite definition of what he meant by ‘Web 2.0’. The three features he felt was an integral part of Web 2.0 were “using the web as an applications platform”, “democratizing the web” and “employing new methods to distribute information”. It enabled one to make changes on the web, derive information in new ways, link people to others on the web, share varied content quickly and efficiently, and ultimately, taking the Internet beyond just the computer.

Since using denotations like ‘2.0’ depicted versions and their subsequent upgradation. Therefore, Web 3.0 signified an evolution – an enhancement of the existing Web 2.0. Though nothing like it exists, Internet experts call it the next generation Web. A Web browser that will allow you to multi-task on the Internet. Like, search for multiple things using one or two complex sentences, instead of just keywords. The browser, in turn, will then analyse your query. It will search the Internet for all possible answers of your questions. And finally it will organise the results for you in the most favourable manner.

In fact, many feel that the Web 3.0 will evolve into your very own assistant. It will derive your favourites based on your different searches. It will database these interests and favourites and make it easier every time you search. Eventually it will allow you to make less specific queries and put more general ones.

For example, if you are planning your annual getaway. Initially, you might have to search by typing in sentences like “What is the best island holiday destination, what are the best travel agents available?” or “What is the best island holiday destination, and what are the best places to stay at, eat out and visit there?” After the Web browser has gained considerable knowledge of your likes and dislikes, you might just be able to search with a general query like “I want to go on a holiday”.

In short, where the Web 2.0 aimed to connect people, the Web 3.0 will aim to link information – turning it into a massive database. Using emerging technologies such as the Semantic Web and other types of artificial intelligence, the Web browser will do the thinking for you. Now, that’s something to think about.