Namecoin is one of the forgotten technologies that failed to latch onto bitcoin's success. A revival would need to be something really innovative but likely wouldn't come from ICANN. They might have hinted that they wouldn't interfere but such an org couldn't get involved with the promotion of a single crypto.
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When I type a .bit address into my browser nothing happens. It appends 'www' automatically then says 'server not found'. ...
I'm not sure is cooperating with ICANN would be that compatible with cryptocurrenty ethics. The fact that namecoin is a peer to peer currency promotes decentralization while ICANN is an organization that centrally manages procedures behind domain approvals. I don't know how namecoin would benefit from making .bit a tld.
I agree. But if a person goes to a computer and types in a .bit address and nothing happens... ?
Most people are not interested in browser extensions or downloading blockchains etc.
There has to be a portal that seamlessly interconnects .bit with icann and other government controlled webs like tor.