Apple's Virtual Reality Store: Second Life or XBox Live?

By Dana Oshiro / February 9, 2010 3:38 PM / 12 Comments

While the rest of the world was caught up with Google Buzz, Apple was quietly granted a patent for a virtual reality App Store. The store patent encompasses details such as seasonal and time-based lighting, color schemes and a basic storefront representation. A few bloggers have already criticized the patent as a relic from SecondLife past, the store may have more use when we consider it in the context of the XBox Live marketplace.

According to Patently Apple, the patent is one of several awarded to Apple today. First filed by David Koski in 2006, the abstract explains that a storefront representation is deployed, a store visitor is acknowledged and subsequent visitor shopping cart activity is shared with others.

Rather than thinking about this in the context of Second Life, it may be more appropriate to look at the XBox's emergence in the home entertainment space. Although primarily highlighted for its gaming features, XBox Live offers integration with Last.fm and Netflix, as well as social sites like Facebook and Twitter. Each user creates their own avatar and profile and then shops for games and videos within the XBox Live marketplace. Apple's attempt to move into this space may have interesting implications.

Someone who plays exercise-related games might receive a recommendation for a diet cookbook, a workout soundtrack, a yoga video, a calorie counting app and several portable devices to help you manage your routine. As well, the group shopping experiences may allow for virtual fitness groups, book clubs and even discounted group buying experiences. When we consider the time spent per user in games, this could be a lucrative business. While Koski may have simply filed the patent to receive his company patent bonus, there's also the chance that Apple is preparing for a more immersive future in entertainment.

Comments

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gotta admit i love my xbl

Posted by: Christi Johnson | February 10, 2010 11:43 AM

This is a fantastic idea. Just another way that Apple is revolutionizing the industry.

Posted by: Sandra | May 13, 2010 8:38 AM

I think apple is one of the most successful and gonna wipe out all competitors in future. This article of patenting virtual reality store proof that they are one step ahead of others.

Posted by: Julie | May 25, 2010 9:18 AM

Agreed. This looks like a Second Life version of the AppleStore, but then, what "virtual world" paradigm doesn't?

Posted by: Katie | May 28, 2010 10:33 AM

I always believed that Apple is something different from the others. Now after reading this article my belief became stronger. Really Apple rulz.

Posted by: Jackie | June 2, 2010 2:22 AM

Apple is doing great job so far. They are different from others for sure. Keep it up Apple team.

Posted by: Kerry | June 2, 2010 10:53 AM

I must say this is a fabulous idea. Just another way that Apple is revolutionizing the industry.

Posted by: Monica | June 5, 2010 9:33 AM

Your posting i think not new because there are a lot of people have already post it or read it, but it’s okay. Please note this , in your post there are few words that you not edit with carefully after you used Google translate for translate it from your mother language into English. You say about on apple virtual reality xbox.

Posted by: Rebecca | June 13, 2010 9:53 AM

I'm always with apple, I'm always following there latest gadgets too :) It's just APPLE IS THE BEST!

Posted by: Sierra | June 21, 2010 1:50 PM

I know exactly what they are talking about, except its been called PS3 Home for the past year or so.

Posted by: Dave | July 24, 2010 9:44 AM

Apple continues to innovate. I really admire them.

Posted by: San Diego Personal Trainer | August 2, 2010 10:02 AM

This is a very creative idea for shopping. Apple offers the best apps to satisfy their consumers and this is what we like.

Posted by: Erica | August 4, 2010 2:02 AM