Orb: The Game-Changing App by Ookla's Former CEO for a Comprehensive Internet Connection Overview

Orb: The Game-Changing App by Ookla’s Former CEO for a Comprehensive Internet Connection Overview

In the ever-evolving world of internet connectivity, measuring speed alone is no longer sufficient. Speedtest.net, a tool that has been a staple for nearly 20 years, is now complemented by a new solution called Orb. Founded by Doug Suttles, the former CEO of Ookla, Orb offers a comprehensive way to assess the stability of your internet connection by measuring latency, packet loss, jitter, and speed.

Introducing Orb: A Comprehensive Internet Connection Tool

Launched in 2023 by Suttles and Ookla executive Jamie Steven, Orb addresses the need for a more holistic approach to evaluating internet performance. Suttles explained that while Speedtest.net was revolutionary at its inception, the increasing availability of high-speed internet worldwide necessitated a tool that goes beyond basic speed tests.

Why Orb is Essential for Internet Users

Suttles likens traditional speed tests to a car dipstick that only alerts you to problems after they arise. He states, “We wanted to build a dashboard to tell you that you are low on oil, so you can fix that problem.” This proactive approach is what sets Orb apart.

Key Features of Orb

Orb evaluates network connections based on three critical variables:

  • Responsiveness: This includes lag, jitter, latency, and packet loss.
  • Reliability: Monitors responsiveness and packet loss over time.
  • Speed: Measures traditional download and upload speeds.

Users can measure these variables over different time intervals: one minute, five minutes, one hour, and 24 hours. Based on a combination of these metrics, Orb assigns a score:

  • Above 80: Indicates a good connection.
  • 70-80: Suggests an okay connection.
  • Below 70: Warns of potential issues.

If your score is below 80, Orb provides actionable steps to enhance your network performance. The platform employs LLMs (large language models) to deliver descriptions of issues and relevant solutions.

READ ALSO  Hinge Unveils AI Feature to Elevate Your Dating Profile: Avoid Basic Responses with Smart Insights!

Accessibility and Future Features

Orb is designed to be user-friendly and is available on multiple platforms, including:

  • iOS
  • Android
  • macOS
  • Windows
  • Linux

The company is also developing a feature that allows users to share their Orb with others, enabling them to monitor connection quality collaboratively. Both users will receive alerts if the connection deteriorates.

Funding and Future Prospects

Currently, Orb is free for users, and Suttles aims to maintain this model while exploring licensing opportunities with enterprises and ISPs. The startup has successfully raised $3.8 million in funding from notable investors, including:

  • Edward Bender (Fastly)
  • Jana Iyengar (Netflix)
  • Tom Daly (Big Network)
  • Lee Chen (Fastly)
  • Jason Kay (Oculus Studios)
  • Jason Rubin (Naughty Dog)
  • Will Cooper (Vetro)

With ambitions to create tailored solutions for various services, such as Zoom and Netflix, Orb is positioned to become an essential tool for internet users looking to optimize their connectivity experience.

For more information on internet speed testing tools, check out our detailed guide on Internet Speed Tests and explore how you can improve your online experience.

Stay tuned for updates on Orb’s features and advancements in internet connectivity solutions!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *