A key aspect of creating a website is the domain. Without it, users won't know where to go. While sites like Godaddy and 1&1.com have led the charge in this business, Google is looking to enter the field as well.
Google announced last June that it would be testing Google Domains, a service that will allow users to buy and sell domain names via their interface. Finally, after months of waiting, Google has opened up Domains to a closed beta, according to The Next Web.
What makes Google Domains unique is that it includes Whois privacy (that protects your identity after buying a domain), domain/email forwarding, access to Google nameservers and free support. In contrast, if a user wants to protect their identity from buying a domain on Godaddy, they'll have to pay additional fees.
Google currently offers access to more than 100 different top-level domains, such as .company, .us and .ninja. URLs start at $12 for .com and go all the way to $110 for .haus. The company is still adding other URLs as time goes on and interest increases.
Google has also teamed up with companies like Squarespace, Weebly and Wix to offer website hosting and design options, as well as offering hosting on Blogger (Google's blogging platform).
If users want access to Google Domains, they can visit the site and request an invite here. The service's features may be subject to change. Google has not stated when the beta will end.
