It’s been a little over 180 days since Worldcoin publicly launched, and its futuristic-looking Orb device is getting an upgrade. Alex Blania, CEO and co-founder of Tools for Humanity, shared exclusively with TechCrunch that the next generation of the Orb will be quite different from its predecessor.
A New Era for Worldcoin’s Orb Device
The new Orb is expected to roll out in the first half of this year, featuring alternative colors and form factors. The design change aims to make the device "much more friendly" and "way [more] tuned down," according to Blania. In fact, he compared it to an Apple product, highlighting its sleek and modern appearance.
A Brief History of Worldcoin’s Orb Device
Tools for Humanity, the company behind Worldcoin, has been working on the Orb device since before Alex Blania joined the team four years ago. The initial design was ambitious and futuristic-looking, but some critics argued that it targeted developing economies during its beta-testing period.
The Orb’s Unique Features
So, what makes the Orb so special? It scans people’s irises to assign them a "World ID" that allows users to access Worldcoin’s application and digital passport. This verification process aims to prove individuals’ identities and prevent anyone from making multiple accounts.
Field Testing and Adoption
During its beta-testing period, Worldcoin focused on adoption in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Nairobi, Kenya; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bangalore, India. The project faced some backlash from critics who argued that it targeted developing economies. However, the team has been working tirelessly to address these concerns.
A Global Presence
To expand its presence, Worldcoin went on a world tour last year, visiting major cities like Tokyo, Miami, New York City, and San Francisco. The project’s efforts have paid off, with over 190,000 new accounts created in the past seven days alone.
Worldcoin’s Ambitious Goal
According to Blania, the company’s thesis is simple: "We race toward billions of users as fast as we possibly can." This ambitious goal requires constant innovation and improvement, which is why the next generation Orb device is being upgraded.
A New Era for Worldcoin’s Orb Device
The new Orb will be a significant departure from its predecessor. With alternative colors and form factors, it will look "way [more] tuned down" and similar to an Apple product. The design change aims to make the device more appealing to a wider audience.
The Road Ahead for Worldcoin
With over 3.13 million people signed up for Worldcoin, the company is making significant strides in its mission to create a global digital identity system. However, there are still challenges ahead, and the team will need to continue innovating and improving their products to achieve their ambitious goal.
Conclusion
The future of Worldcoin’s Orb device looks bright, with a new generation of the device on the horizon. As the company continues to innovate and improve its products, it’s clear that Worldcoin is committed to creating a global digital identity system that benefits everyone.
The Benefits of Worldcoin
- A global digital identity system
- A unique and secure way to verify identities
- A platform for creating a decentralized and inclusive economy
- A tool for promoting financial inclusion and literacy
- A means of creating a more secure and transparent online environment
The Challenges Ahead
- Adapting the Orb device to different cultures and environments
- Addressing concerns about data privacy and security
- Ensuring that the device is accessible to people with disabilities
- Building trust and confidence in the digital identity system
- Overcoming challenges related to scalability and adoption