According to a patent application filed by Apple titled “Enhancing Online Shopping Atmosphere”, Apple is looking for methods to improving online shopping experience. Apple says in the filing that online shopping experience today is sterile and isolating, this can be changed by delivering a more interactive shopping experience. Where customers can virtually explore Apple products and interact with Mac specialists like online characters (avatars) interact in second life. This will result in more positive shopping experience and ultimately the user will spend more money doing online window-shopping. I think friendlier and interactive online store is the way to go, as the number of people shopping online is increasing every year.
[Via Macnn]