Worldcoin Rebrands as "World," Expanding Partnerships and Biometric Technology

Worldcoin officially rebranded as "World." This change, announced by founder Sam Altman during a keynote speech on October 17, marks a new chapter in the company’s mission. 

The World platform aims to redefine how users verify their identity in an increasingly digital landscape by enhancing partnerships, introducing advanced biometric scanning devices, and expanding accessibility.

Here are the new developments:

Unveiling the New Orb Biometric Device

One of the standout announcements from the event was the unveiling of a new version of the "Orb," a biometric scanning device designed to verify user identities through iris scans. 

This updated Orb, powered by Nvidia hardware, promises to be five times more powerful than its predecessor while being smaller and more efficient. The company plans to deploy these devices in self-service kiosks in various markets, allowing for easier access to identity verification.

According to the company, it aims to significantly increase its current user base of 15 million, of which 7 million have been verified through its Orb technology. The ambitious target is to onboard one billion verified users, making biometric identity verification a standard practice globally.

World App 3.0: Redefining User Experience

As part of its rebranding, World also introduced World App 3.0, designed to improve utility and scalability. This new version incorporates Mini Apps, allowing third-party applications to integrate seamlessly with World ID and Wallet features. 

Users can send money, engage in polls, and play games with verified individuals, fostering a vibrant community.

World App 3.0 aims to enhance transaction speeds, now supporting transactions on World Chain, which are reportedly up to 90% faster. New features such as World Pay, improved funding ramps, and a dedicated Vault for asset management are part of this redesign, reportedly making the app more functional and user-friendly.

Expanding Accessibility and New Verification Methods

The company plans to roll out new identity verification methods that go beyond biometric scanning. Under a program called World ID Credentials, users with NFC-enabled government-issued passports can now verify their identity using the World app. 

This initiative aims to make identity verification more accessible to a broader audience, furthering the company's mission to create a user-friendly ecosystem.

Another feature announced is World ID Deep Face, a service that claims to tackle the rising issue of deepfakes. This software can be integrated into various applications to ensure that videos featuring verified individuals are genuine, enhancing trust in digital interactions.

Introducing World Chain: A New Blockchain Initiative

Alongside the rebranding, World introduced World Chain, a blockchain service designed to support identity verification and integrate seamlessly with the World ID system. 

This initiative is backed by blockchain service providers, including Optimism, Alchemy, and Uniswap, among others. World Chain will reportedly prioritize human-centric applications, ensuring that verified users have access to a robust blockchain economy.

The platform will support anonymous human verification and financial access for users, especially in regions where the adoption of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies is rapidly growing. 

For developers, the platform supports applications that can interact directly with World ID, enabling innovative solutions across various sectors. 

With features like Mini Apps and Minikit, developers can create user-friendly applications optimized for interaction within the World ecosystem.