ZNS Connect Brings Human-Readable .shm Domains to Shardeum’s Autoscaling Blockchain

Shardeum and ZNS Connect have partnered to launch .shm domain names; these domains will be available for approximately $1 during early access periods. With these domains, you will no longer be required to use difficult-to-read wallet addresses which contain random letters and numbers but instead will be able to utilize an easy-to-use domain name (e.g., “yourname.shm”) to conduct transactions.

India’s Shardeum is a Layer 1 (L1) blockchain, and it already boasts an impressive number of validators, over 171,000 since launching recently. This partnership may allow many more users to experience the benefits of utilizing Web3 without any of the normal complications that typically accompany using cryptocurrencies.

Resolving Usability Challenge at Web3

One of the most intractable barriers to the adoption of blockchain has been the intimidating nature of wallet addresses. Sending cryptocurrency to an address like 0x7a9f…e3b2 requires careful verification and creates friction for newcomers. ZNS Connect’s solution transforms this experience by allowing users to register domains such as “yourname.shm” that function as persistent identities across the Shardeum ecosystem.

The integration goes beyond simple naming. According to Shardeum’s announcement, .shm domains will be utilized as an identity and engagement layer where users will be able to receive name-based payments, interact with other users across multiple blockchains and use mini games to encourage participation and reward them when they reach a milestone or complete a task. The launch of the .shm domains follows the trend of the Web3 identity space as many projects are teaming up with SPACE ID (an identity platform) and Zetarium (a project) to create new DeFi experiences.

Why Shardeum makes sense for ZNS Connect

The technical architecture of Shardeum makes it an excellent partner of decentralized naming services. The blockchain was able to launch its EVM mainnet in October 2025 and make a shift to a full smart contract platform. Its dynamic state sharding technology provides linear scalability which can handle more than 100,000 transactions per second with low gas fees of approximately $0.001.

This combination of low fees combined with high throughput makes the registration of domains and on chain interactions affordable for everyday users. With more than 81 million transactions processed as per May 2025, Shardeum has shown its stability that is needed to facilitate the infrastructure of identity. The platform has reached MiCA recognition, so that compliant operations in all 27 EU member states are possible.

Applications in the Real World and Future

Currently .shm domains are considered human-friendly address solutions to perform transactions across defi. The greatest benefit of .shm domains lies in the ability to later integrate them with other technologies, so you have an identity that will work across all decentralized apps and platforms. Users would use their .shm for all DeFi protocols, gaming platforms, etc., establishing one Web3 presence.

The gaming and engagement features are hints on gamification strategies that could make domain ownership more interactive. By attaching the rewards to on chain activity and milestone completion the platforms are creating sticky experiences for users. According to official documentation, ZNS functionality can be integrated into the functionality of dApps by the developer to provide more intuitive user experiences that do not require users to manage complex wallet addresses.

Conclusion

This partnership stands out not just for the technology at play, but for the way both organizations are tackling a genuine challenge that countless users encounter in the crypto space: the struggle to remember wallet addresses. For just $1 for early access, a .shm domain offers users an affordable way to establish their presence within the ecosystem, a crucial element in appealing to non-tech-savvy individuals. While several names of blockchain projects have been offered by other companies, very few have done so via highly scalable blockchain technology such as the Shardeum blockchain.