The blockchain-based identity verification company, Worldcoin, has dropped the "coin" from its name and is now called "World." Founder Sam Altman announced this rebranding in a major address on October 17.
World, with its new name, has unveiled a slew of updates including a new version of its biometric scanning device Orb, new identity verification options, and integrations with popular apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
World
The event was live-streamed on YouTube on October 17, but the name change was visible on the company's social media accounts as soon as the announcement was made.
During the event, World unveiled a new version of its "Orb" biometric device that the company uses to scan users' eyes. The new Orb, equipped with Nvidia hardware, will be more efficient and "five times more powerful" than its predecessor, with a smaller size and fewer components.
The company also said the new Orb will be available in self-service kiosks in certain markets.
World also announced that upcoming users will be able to verify their identity through methods other than the company's Orb hardware. Through the World ID Credentials program, the company said users with government-issued passports with NFC capabilities will be able to verify their identity on the World app.
Another major announcement was World ID Deep Face, a service the company claims has "solved deepfake."
According to the company, their software can be integrated into virtually any app where video can be uploaded or streamed live to determine if the video contains a verified person or has been AI-manipulated.
Finally, the company also announced that to date, 15 million users have signed up for the World app service, with seven million of them having been verified.