<p>"Users simply don't want to go through the hassle of loading and navigating a virtual world just to look at a 3D image of a product. The lure simply is not there."</p> <p>Not sure why you would assume that. To date there hasn't been a really good 3d world built, that is usable by the general public. </p> <p>Second Life's interface is powerful, but has a steep learning curve. To build something for the public, it must be simple and intuitive.</p> <p>The other problem you allude to is loading the software. I'm playing 3d games (while typing this actually) that run in a browser, with only a few seconds load time. I agree the public won't load software to visit a website. In today's diverse world, it must also run on several operating systems. Therefore browser based is really the only solution.</p> <p>It seems simple, but nobody's done it correctly yet. Just like at one point nobody had built a decent music player, even though it seemed obvious. Or nobody had built a very good smartphone, even thought that seemed obvious. </p> <p>Don't laugh to soon, if done correctly, this could start a revolution.</p>

Posted by: sunflower 22 Apr 2008

<p>> Users simply don't want to go > through the hassle of loading<br /> > and navigating a virtual<br /> > world just to look at a 3D<br /> > image of a product</p> <p>Will this be for harware/software or tunes/videos? Doesn't matter either way. The key is to not make a store that forces non-Second Lifers to go there, but make a store that anybody who uses Second Life would want to go to and be entertained. And maybe draw some outsiders. Remember, Apple is a lifestyle and the best way of demonstrating a lifestyle is with a simulation. What's the investment necessary? I'm sure Apple could sell more than it costs. iTunes runs on razor thin margins similar to supermarkets in the real world, so no reason a 2nd Life outpost couldn't do the same.</p>

Posted by: Yacko 22 Apr 2008