Sam Altman's startup, Worldcoin, is changing direction and dropping the “coin” from its name as it refocuses on identity verification technology. The company, now called “World,” is leaving behind its cryptocurrency ambitions to double down on its eye-scanning technology, known as Orbs. This technology aims to provide a reliable way of confirming people's identities in an era where deepfakes and digital fraud are on the rise.
The world shifts towards eye-scanning tech
World, co-founded by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and Alex Blania, has decided to move away from cryptocurrency to focus on the expanding need for secure identity verification. The company has introduced the latest version of its Orb device—a biometric eye scanner with an identity verification system called Deep Face. This technology confirms whether someone is a real human, which could be vital in today's online environment, where fake identities are increasingly sophisticated.
The move to concentrate on Orbs highlights the growing importance of identity protection, especially as digital manipulation becomes more common. The company aims to provide proof of identity services through its World ID system to verify human identity globally.
The new Orb and its features
At a recent event in San Francisco, World's CEO Alex Blania unveiled the updated version of the Orb device. The Orb uses NVIDIA's Jetson chipset, a powerful processor that enhances its ability to scan eyes and confirm identities. Rich Heley, the Chief Device Officer, explained that customers can access the Orb through an on-demand service, similar to how people order pizza. This new rollout strategy means the Orb will be delivered where and when needed.
World claims this new distribution model will allow its human verification services to reach more people globally. The company's statement noted that the advancements made with the latest Orb model enable wider availability of its World ID system, offering identity verification solutions to regions previously out of reach.
Millions are already using the technology
The world's website reports that nearly 7 million people have already been scanned by the company's Orb devices. These numbers are set to rise as the company expands its operations globally. The significance of this technology is evident as the need for secure digital identities grows.
In a surprising gesture at the San Francisco event, everyone who attended was given a free Orb device. This suggests that the world is eager to get technology into people's hands and begin a new phase of its business, which is focused on identity verification rather than cryptocurrency.
While stepping away from the cryptocurrency market, the world's pivot toward secure identification services marks a significant shift in its strategy. As deepfakes and identity fraud become more prevalent, World's Orb technology may become a vital tool for individuals and businesses looking to safeguard their identities in an increasingly digital world.
