Orb App by Ookla’s Ex-CEO Enhances Internet Connection Insights
▼ Summary
– Orb, a new tool introduced by Doug Suttles, evaluates network performance through responsiveness, reliability, and speed, offering a comprehensive score of connection health.
– Unlike basic speed tests, Orb provides actionable solutions using AI insights to identify and fix network weak points, and is available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and Linux.
– A feature in development allows users to share connection data for remote troubleshooting, enabling IT teams or family members to address network issues proactively.
– Orb plans to sustain its free model by licensing technology to enterprises and ISPs, helping them detect network anomalies faster and reduce customer complaints.
– The tool is exploring service-specific checks for platforms like Zoom and Netflix, aiming to determine if connectivity issues are user-based or service-related, benefiting remote workers and streamers.
Understanding your internet connection goes far beyond just speed tests. While services like Speedtest.net have long been the standard for measuring download and upload rates, they don’t reveal the full picture of network performance. That’s why Doug Suttles, former CEO of Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, has introduced Orb, a new tool designed to provide deeper insights into connection stability.
Orb evaluates three critical aspects of network performance: responsiveness (combining latency, jitter, and packet loss), reliability (tracking consistency over time), and speed (traditional download/upload metrics). By analyzing these factors across different intervals—from one minute to 24 hours—the tool generates a comprehensive score indicating overall connection health. A score above 80 suggests strong performance, while anything below 70 signals potential issues that could disrupt streaming, gaming, or video calls.
Unlike basic speed tests, Orb doesn’t just diagnose problems—it also offers actionable solutions. Using AI-powered insights, the app identifies weak points in your network and suggests fixes, whether it’s adjusting router settings or contacting your ISP. Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux, Orb even supports niche platforms like Raspberry Pi and Steam Deck for tech-savvy users who want continuous monitoring.
One standout feature in development allows users to share their Orb connection data with others, enabling remote troubleshooting. For instance, IT teams or family members could receive alerts if network quality drops, making it easier to address issues proactively.
Currently free, Orb plans to sustain its model by licensing its technology to enterprises and internet service providers. This approach could help ISPs detect network anomalies faster, reducing customer complaints. Backed by $3.8 million in funding from investors like Fastly and Netflix executives, Orb is positioning itself as the next evolution in network diagnostics.
Beyond individual use, Orb is exploring service-specific checks for platforms like Zoom, Netflix, and Google Drive. This feature would verify whether connectivity issues stem from the user’s network or the service itself—a valuable tool for remote workers and streamers alike.
With internet reliability becoming just as crucial as speed, Orb aims to fill the gaps left by traditional testing tools. Whether you’re troubleshooting laggy video calls or optimizing a home network, this new platform provides the detailed analytics needed to keep connections running smoothly.
(Source: TechCrunch)
