The way we do business has completely changed as websites, social media and online stores have become overwhelmingly important in promoting and selling products and services. And we got used to these digital platforms. We learned how to master them and use them in our advantage. But any ambitious entrepreneur will be asking what is next. Well, our money is on interactive 3D online stores.
A new international tech startup, called TimeWalk, is laying the ground for what will probably be the first (and only?) interactive 3D virtual copy of real
buildings and even entire cities. TimeWalk will create 3D shops, coffee shops, malls, meeting rooms, office buildings and other interiors. You will be able to explore them and interact with the environment through a kind of avatar, called a humanoid, which will look exactly like you. Your humanoid will be easily recognizable by other people and it will have your body size.
What TimeWalk wants to focus on, among other things, is creating 3D interactive online stores that act exactly like e-commerce websites, but that are able to offer a completely new and immersive experience. While these 3D shops will be accessed from any smartphone, tablet or computer, the most immersive experience will be offered by virtual reality headsets. These are now becoming more and more accessible, especially as you can actually turn your smartphone into one with a special adapter.
So is this the future of e-commerce? With all the hype around virtual reality there’s a big chance that it will be. Those who have already tried VR headsets and interacted with virtual world can probably imagine how exciting it might be to instantly teleport into a mall or local shop in Paris, Singapore, Buenos Aires or any other city, choose and try products and then have them delivered in the real world, right at your doorstep. It’s a long-term process and we will probably need to wait a few years until this is widely available, but companies that will penetrate this market sooner will definitely get eyes on them. It will be a powerful marketing move.
Internet shoppers are attracted to anything that might help them make a savvy decision about what they aim to buy. And being able to interact with a very realistic 3D version of a product that they desire will do just that. This is more easily imagined when it comes to buying or even renting real estate. Visiting the 3D virtual version of a house or apartment you want to buy will certainly help you decide faster.
Early adopters and enthusiast can already start working on their 3D online store as Timewalk has launched a crowd-funding campaign and offers the possibility to get early access to all the new features that will be launched, to become a licensed developer or to start uploading 3D content and be among the first companies that will create a 3D store or other commercial space.
Are you ready for the new wave in e-commerce and real estate? Keep an eye on TimeWalk.
