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"Kinset has launched its new 3D shopping service and announced it is in the process of building a virtual store for the retailer Brookstone.  In order to shop Kinset, which currently offers a bookstore and electronics shop through Amazon, you must first download a browser utility from the company\u2019s web site.  The technology itself is pretty neat \u2013 you walk up and down aisles, can clearly see book covers, and can then mouse over them to get detailed item descriptions, reviews, and price info.  If you would like to buy something, you simply use your credit card.  \nWhat is the point of all of this versus a traditional ecommerce store?  According to Kinset\u2019s founders, it will allow customers who are familiar with the physical store to more quickly find what they are looking for.  Meanwhile, it will allow those unfamiliar with the store to get acquainted with its layout and thus have a better experience when they show up in person.  \nOverall, 3D shopping experiences like Kinset and Scenecaster are a natural progression of ecommerce as broadband becomes ubiquitous.  But is it really necessary?  There are countless other quick and easy ways to shop online, and for the addicted shopper, wouldn\u2019t they miss the experience of going to the mall?  The argument that it\u2019s faster doesn\u2019t seem to hold water, considering you need to first download and install the software (which took 10+ minutes on my DSL connection), and then familiarize yourself with an entire new way of shopping.  It\u2019s cool technology no doubt, but is there really value for customers?\nPerhaps the answer is to make Kinset social \u2013 allow you to interact with other shoppers as you navigate the store and discuss the items you are viewing.  This seems to be missing at the moment, but would make the shopping experience more realistic and potentially much more worthwhile.\n"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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