Tools for Humanity, an innovative startup co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, launched the Orb Mini on Wednesday during its “At Last” event in San Francisco. This new mobile device aims to help individuals distinguish between human users and AI agents online.

Overview of the Orb Mini

The Orb Mini, which shares a smartphone-like design, features two large sensors on its front intended for scanning users’ irises. The device builds upon the company’s previous work with larger Orb devices.

Rich Heley, Tools for Humanity’s Chief Device Officer and former Apple director, presented the Orb Mini, highlighting its portability and ease of use.

Purpose and Functionality

The primary function of the Orb Mini is human verification—offering a unique identifier on the blockchain after scanning a user’s eyeball. This initiative is part of a broader vision to produce digital “proof of human” tools.

The device is not mainly intended for typical smartphone functions like calls or texting, and its future capabilities remain uncertain. However, co-founder Alex Blania mentioned aspirations to eventually convert the Orb Mini into a mobile point-of-sale device and potentially license the sensor technology to other manufacturers.

Storefront Launch and Expansion Plans

In conjunction with the Orb Mini unveiling, Tools for Humanity plans to launch its World Network in the U.S. on Thursday. This initiative includes opening storefronts in major cities such as Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. These locations will provide opportunities for individuals to have their eyes scanned using the Orb technology.

Growing Global Presence

As of now, the World project, previously recognized as Worldcoin, boasts a significant user base, with 26 million sign-ups and 12 million verifications globally. Its primary presence is currently in Latin America, South America, and Asia, but the company aims to expand its footprint in the U.S.

Future Directions and Potential Collaborations

While discussions continue surrounding the role of the Orb Mini, a critical inquiry remains regarding a potential partnership with OpenAI. It is not yet known if the new device will integrate any AI functionalities or if it relates to an AI gadget that OpenAI is reportedly developing.