Sam Altman's Worldcoin Launches Mobile Verification Device

Tools for Humanity Unveils New Human Verification Device

Tools for Humanity, the organization developing the World human verification project and co-founded by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, introduced a novel mobile device on Wednesday. This device is intended to differentiate between human users and artificial intelligence agents.

Introducing the Orb Mini

Rich Heley, Chief Device Officer at Tools for Humanity and previously a director at Apple, showcased the Orb Mini during the “At Last” event held in San Francisco. The device resembles a smartphone in form factor and incorporates two prominent sensors on its front panel for the purpose of scanning users’ eyes.

The Core Concept Behind World

World, initially known as Worldcoin, is a web3 initiative spearheaded by Altman and Alex Blania. It operates on the premise that distinguishing humans from AI agents online will become increasingly challenging. To proactively address this, World aims to establish digital tools for “proof of personhood,” and these recent announcements represent a step towards onboarding millions of users.

Upon undergoing an eye scan with either the original Orb devices or the newly released Orb Mini, users receive a unique identifier recorded on the blockchain. This identifier serves as verification of their human status.

Design and Portability

The Orb Mini, named in reference to the company’s larger Orb devices, adopts the familiar shape of a smartphone. It is specifically engineered for portability, as stated by a Tools for Humanity representative during a briefing with TechCrunch. Thomas Meyerhoff, a former designer from Apple, contributed to the design of the Orb Mini.

Primary Functionality and Future Potential

The primary goal of the Orb Mini is to expand the reach of the verification process, rather than functioning as a conventional smartphone for applications, calls, or messaging. However, the device’s ultimate capabilities remain undefined, according to company spokespersons.

Following the event, Alex Blania indicated to TechCrunch that the company envisions the Orb Mini evolving into a mobile point-of-sale system. Furthermore, there are considerations to license the sensor technology to other device manufacturers.

Expansion of the World Network

Tools for Humanity is simultaneously launching its World Network within the United States on Thursday. This expansion includes the opening of physical storefronts in several cities: Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. These stores, already established in other countries, will provide a location for individuals to have their eyes scanned by the company’s Orb devices.

Current User Base and Growth Strategy

The World project currently reports 26 million registered users, with 12 million individuals successfully verified globally. The company currently maintains a strong presence in Latin America, South America, and Asia, and the recent announcements are geared towards accelerating growth within the U.S. market.

Strategic Importance of the Orb

While details surrounding the Orb Mini were limited, the device appears to be a key component in broadening the distribution of the company’s verification technology. Despite shifts in World’s objectives over time, the Orb remains central to its core mission.

Potential Synergies with OpenAI

A significant question surrounds the possibility of future collaboration between World and Sam Altman’s other venture, OpenAI. It is currently unknown whether the Orb Mini will incorporate any AI-driven features, or if it is connected to the AI device that OpenAI is reportedly developing.