A Whole New World (A Virtual One That Is…)

   In Innovation and New Technologies class we’ve been talking about some of the virtual worlds that are available online.  Most people know about Second Life and There, so I decided to find out if there were any new, lesser known virtual worlds that could come to the forefront soon.  My research led me to “Kaneva,” which has similarities to most virtual worlds on the Internet.  However, Kaneva is somewhat unique in that it began as a site that allowed users to create 2D profiles that others could view.  Recently, the site expanded to the 3D world by letting users personalize their own virtual apartments.  Basically, Kaneva is kind of like a blend of MySpace and Second Life.  First, you have the profile element, with all of the usual features.  This includes adding friends, forming groups, leaving messages, adding pictures and videos, and writing personal blogs.  Then, you have the virtual world part of it, which allows you to design an avatar, decorate your own space, make purchases with virtual currency, and converse with other users at public locations or parties that you host.  Kaneva merges these two ideas to create a fairly distinct concept.  It seems like Kaneva focuses a little more on letting you craft your own area than its rivals.  For example, users can actually place their own photos in picture frames and put their favorite videos on the televisions in their virtual apartments.  Although Second Life lets you decorate your own home, it seems like the site concentrates on your ability to chat with other users rather than letting them see the personal touches you’ve made.

   Although I don’t use sites like Second Life or Kaneva, it seems like Kaneva could have a chance for staying power if they are able to update their graphics to rival those of the more established sites.  Kaneva’s ability to incorporate the idea of MySpace is probably helping them gain popularity with the younger crowd.  However, I think that Second Life will always have the advantage of being the first virtual world to really catch on.  It’s kind of like “As Seen On TV” products.  The first colander that let you ”strain and drain” pasta in the same pot was called the “Pasta Pro.”  A lot of people heard about it, thought it sounded interesting, and got one.  It wasn’t long before “Better Pasta Pot,” “Perfect Pasta Pot” and “Pasta Pot Express“ were released.  But by then everyone either already had a Pasta Pro or just didn’t really want one.  It’s the same way with virtual worlds on the Internet.  Second Life was the first one everybody really heard about and many people signed up.  By the time a lot of these competitors like Kaneva came out, people didn’t really think they needed to be involved in another virtual world or they never wanted one in the first place.  (Like the Pasta Pro, the newness may have worn off of some of those Second Life accounts and they might even be sitting around collecting virtual dust.)  The point is: It’s difficult to compete with the first well-known version of something.  However, if Kaneva can find a way to further develop its main premise and maybe add some games, it still has a fighting chance to make some waves.  Kaneva’s best bet is to hold on to the 3D profile idea so that it can give the impression of being a little different than its opponents.  In other words, maybe they shouldn’t try to create the next Pasta Pro, but instead focus on creating something slightly different than the original, like the “Slanket“ or “Meatball Magic“ (I was going to use “Pancake Puffs,” but decided against it since I secretly want one of them.) :)  Seriously, though.  Click on the Slanket hyperlink above if you want a good laugh.  You won’t be disappointed…

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