Altman's World Network introduces chat feature to identify real users
What's the story
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expanded his blockchain venture World Network into the messaging space with a new feature called World Chat.
The new feature, a "mini app," which will be accessible via the World App wallet, is aimed at providing unique benefits to holders of World Network's digital passport.
The passport lets users scan their iris in return for an account verifying their "proof-of-personhood."
AI differentiation
World Chat: A tool to distinguish between bots and humans
World Chat is the latest addition to World Network's mission to help users tell bots apart from real people in an AI-driven world.
"By connecting to World ID, World Chat allows you to know when you're chatting with a verified human," Tools for Humanity, the developer behind World Network, said in a statement to CoinDesk.
The new chat feature will be available even for those who haven't used World's iris-scanning Orb yet.
Design details
Design draws inspiration from Apple's iMessage
The design of World Chat borrows from Apple's iMessage, which features blue chat bubbles for iPhone users and green ones for others.
"Conversations with verified World ID holders feature a blue chat bubble as well as a unique World ID gem in the upper right corner," Tools for Humanity explained.
"Conversations with non-verified accounts feature a gray chat bubble and no such gem."
Launch details
World Chat is now available on Android and iOS
World Chat is available on the World App for Android and iOS users.
Tiago Sada, head of product at Tools for Humanity, said "The World App has grown so much over the past year," and they have been getting constant requests for a direct messaging layer.
He added "People have been asking for the chat product specifically."
Collaboration
World Network collaborates with Friends With Benefits on incubator program
Along with launching World Chat, World Network is teaming up with social protocol Friends With Benefits, Alchemy, Bain Crypto Capital, Blockchain Capital, and Variant Fund to launch an incubator program called World Build.
It will host hackathons, building retreats as well as a demo day and will be aimed at encouraging developers to create "Mini Apps."
This partnership is focused on driving innovation in the blockchain-based messaging space.