2025 has been a transformative year for OrbVPN. We expanded from a VPN service into a broader digital security platform with the launch of OrbGuard, our on-device security suite, the introduction of Hylon AI for intelligent support, and the development of OrbMesh, our decentralized mesh networking capability. Alongside these new features, we undertook a major technology refresh of our documentation and web infrastructure.
OrbGuard Security Suite
Our most significant expansion this year, a comprehensive on-device security toolkit:
- Application scanner for identifying potential risks in installed apps
- Spyware and stalkerware detection capabilities
- Dark web monitoring for credential exposure alerts
- Digital footprint assessment tools
- Network firewall with configurable traffic filtering
- Network monitoring and device discovery
- Safe browsing and phishing protection features
- QR code security scanning
Hylon AI Assistant
Introduction of AI-powered support within the app:
- Natural language chat interface for user assistance
- Troubleshooting guidance based on device and account context
- Feature walkthrough and onboarding support
- Seamless escalation path to human support agents
- Available across all supported platforms
OrbMesh Decentralized Networking
Development of our peer-to-peer mesh networking layer:
- Decentralized server infrastructure model
- User-contributed node participation
- Enhanced routing resilience through mesh topology
- Distributed network architecture for improved availability
- Compute-sharing capabilities in development
Wallet and Token System
Introduction of the ORB token economy:
- In-app wallet for managing ORB tokens
- Token earning through referrals and network participation
- Staking functionality for engaged users
- Credit system providing free-tier access to features
- Leaderboard and community engagement tools
Platform Technology Refresh
Major modernization of our web and documentation stack:
- Migration to Next.js 15 with App Router architecture
- Adoption of Fumadocs MDX framework for documentation
- Restructured content management system
- Improved build pipeline and deployment workflow
- Standalone output mode for optimized hosting
Application Maturity
The Flutter app reached a new level of completeness:
- Over 100 distinct screens and interfaces
- Five main navigation sections: VPN, OrbMesh, Hylon, Wallet, and Settings
- Comprehensive settings with profile, subscription, and device management
- Support hub with multiple channels including AI chat and live support
- Expanded to cover all seven supported platforms
Looking Forward to 2026
Priorities for the year ahead:
- Full website redesign and public launch
- Comprehensive API documentation for all services
- Expanded tutorial library covering every app feature
- Enhanced checkout and subscription management
- Continued OrbGuard and OrbMesh development
A Personal Note
This year represents a significant shift in how I think about what OrbVPN is. We started as a VPN service focused on encrypted connections and protocol innovation and we grew into something broader, a digital security platform that aims to address multiple aspects of online safety, from encrypted tunneling to on-device threat detection to AI-assisted support.
The launch of OrbGuard is particularly meaningful to me. A VPN protects data in transit, but many threats exist on the device itself, malicious applications, credential leaks, unsafe networks. By bringing security tools directly into the app, we are working to offer a more complete approach to digital protection.
Hylon AI represents our belief that support should be accessible and immediate. Rather than making users search through documentation or wait for business hours, Hylon provides a conversational interface that can help with most common questions on the spot. When it reaches the limits of what AI can handle, it connects users to our human support team with full context preserved.
OrbMesh is still early in its development, but it embodies an idea I have believed in for a long time: that decentralized infrastructure can complement traditional server networks to create a more resilient system. By allowing users to participate in the network, we are exploring a model where the community strengthens the service for everyone.
The technology refresh of our documentation platform, while less visible to end users, was essential. Good documentation is the foundation of trust, it shows users and developers exactly what our service does and how it works. The migration to a modern framework gives us the tools to maintain and expand this resource effectively.
To our users who adopted OrbGuard, explored Hylon, and provided feedback throughout the year: your input has directly shaped these features. To our team: building three major new capabilities while maintaining service quality across seven platforms is a remarkable achievement.
As we look toward 2026, I am excited about bringing everything we have built to a wider audience through our upcoming website redesign and expanded documentation. The platform we have built this year gives us a strong foundation for the future.
Dr. Nima Golsharifi Founder, OrbVPN