Created by Lewis Saunders, the original Computational Spheres were designed to be home-based personal assistants. With rudimentary functions such as scheduling appointments, answering basic questions, and setting reminders, it takes the world by storm. By 2020, an estimated 72% of homes have a stationary sphere.
With the increasing popularity of Orbs, Saunders’s releases a second generation. These handheld devices, about the size of a tennis ball, are even more intuitive than their stationary siblings, with advanced facial recognition and voice commands. Additionally, Orbs allow for users to communicate without need for a phone or internet connection. As a result of their residential success, many businesses adopt them in the workplace.
As he prepares to release a third-generation model, Genesis Division attempts to purchase the company. However, Saunders, determined to place an orb in every home, refuses to accept their offer. He cites their involvement with the military and weapons-based contracts as going against his vision for the project. Saunders does not survive to see his dream realized. His death is ruled accidental, but conspiracy theorist believe it to be murder. No evidence exists to prove this theory. The conspiracy is later fueled by Genesis Division, using his demise as an opportunity to purchase Saunders’s company.
After returning to a period of research and development, Genesis Division releases a third-generation model with a multitude of improvements, most notably, the gravity well. This proprietary technology allows the orb to float in place. As Saunders suspected, Genesis Division integrates the technology into their military contracts. Its first iteration in combat is using it for remote viewing in urban settings. But as Genesis Division incorporates their Artificial Intelligence engine, it became an essential tool for the military.
Federal agencies investigate accusations that Genesis Division is using the technology to listen to household conversations and further develop their Artificial Intelligence. Through a series of restructuring and lobby on behalf of the company, the charges are dropped. Hackers later release more than ten thousand documents with evidence that the company has been aggregating data unbeknownst to their customers. However, the company continues to keep federal agencies in legal limbo.
The company eventually discontinues their residential versions of orbs. They are integrated into local law enforcement and used as portable integrations to their computer systems. Models are eventually expanded in the military also including an assortment of anti-personnel non-lethal measures. Despite protests around police brutality, these are incorporated into law enforcement and can be found accompanying synthetic officers.