Future ideas of making a shop into a game in 3D-version struck me while reading about this patent.

On April 17, 2008, Apple’s application for a patent became public. It regards Enhancing Online Shopping Atmosphere . You might ask yourself what that means, unless you are familiar with the term “Second life.”

I will hereby attempt to summon my view of Apple’s concept, but be aware that a complete readthrough of the patent should be made in order to get the full picture of the idea.

Today, customers that are buying (Apple) products online will see a website where they can navigate, view pictures and descriptions of products, optimally also in a package of beautiful design and a well developed interface.

Why is this not enough?

Admitted, flexibility to shop at any time of the day without leaving the house, just a few mouse clicks away, brings several advantages. But on the other hand it also lacks physical experience; touching, feeling and getting that personal service. The consequence of that reveals in many people today choosing to do their shopping in real life instead.

Needless to say, the environment in online shopping differs a great deal from shopping in physical stores.

With the revolving concept of developing a virtual world out of an online store, containing staff and customers in the shape of avatars, Apple will hopefully take online shopping to a different level.

How? Possibly it will endevaour an, at least visibly, more alive experience for the customer. The questions are will this idea work without fuss and whether customers, including laymen, will prefer it to the alternatives available or not. They might as well get fraught by the unfamiliar newness. To win people over, including those comfortable customers, good advertising and marketing is crucial. (I suspect by previous experience, this is something already recognized by Apple.)

Keeping it simple but still creative, they have succeeded before and I think if sticking to that concept, they will again.
What differs this from Eworld is yet to be discovered though.
That will also most likely determine whether this will be a success or not.