The next iteration will look similar to an “Apple product,” CEO says
It has been slightly over 180 days since the public launch of Worldcoin, and Alex Blania, CEO and co-founder of Tools for Humanity, shared exclusively with TechCrunch that the futuristic Orb device is undergoing an upgrade. Blania mentioned during a fireside chat at a StrictlyVC event on Wednesday that the "new orb is coming," and the upcoming iterations will feature a distinct appearance.
Blania, who joined the company about four years ago, mentioned that the initial design of the Orb preceded his tenure at the company. The next version of the Orb, set to be released in the first half of this year, will introduce alternative colors and "form factors" to present a much more approachable and user-friendly aesthetic, akin to an Apple product.
Tools for Humanity is the company behind Worldcoin, a crypto project co-founded by Blania, Sam Altman, and Max Novendstern. The startup has raised approximately $250 million from investors such as a16z, Bain Capital Crypto, and others.
The distinctive Orb device, well-known in venture capital and crypto circles, scans people's irises and assigns them a "World ID," allowing access to Worldcoin's application and a digital passport. This verification process aims to establish individuals' identities and prevent the creation of multiple accounts. Blania acknowledged the varying reactions to the Orb's design, noting that people either "hate it or they love it."
During the StrictlyVC event in San Francisco, a "couple dozen" attendees reportedly scanned their irises in exchange for a World ID, according to a Tools for Humanity employee at the event. The employee also mentioned ongoing "field testing" for the new version of the Orb.
Worldcoin's beta testing focused on adoption in cities like Buenos Aires, Argentina; Nairobi, Kenya; Lisbon, Portugal; and Bangalore, India. While facing some criticism for allegedly targeting developing economies, the project also embarked on a global tour, visiting major cities like Tokyo, Miami, New York City, and San Francisco to expand its presence.
In the past seven days alone, over 190,000 new accounts were created, bringing the total number of Worldcoin sign-ups to approximately 3.13 million, according to the project's website. Blania emphasized the simple thesis of racing toward billions of users as rapidly as possible.
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