The only thing that's going to beat Google is a superfast, high-res, 3-D virtual world (kinda like Asimov's imperial planet Trantor) where people can browse by using approved and licensed vehicles to cruise the virtual streets, alleys and hidden corners of their favorite neighborhoods. The system makes money by convincing advertisers and vendors to compete for virtual property and goods. Private and/or secret enclaves can be set up so as to require an entrance fee or a subscription from prospective customers and interested parties. As the system gets larger, new businesses can start selling maps, transportation and information on how to get around and find what you're looking for. Above all, it should be fun and there should always be something new to discover and explore. It's should be much more intense and interactive than what's already out there (e.g., Linden Lab's Second Life) and give the user powerful tools with which to create their own enclaves, avatars and anonymous corporations.
But then again, Google is already moving into the virtual world business and, besides, the kind of immersive virtual 3-D world I envision will require a much faster and distributed internet, at least 2 orders of magnitude faster. Oh well, it's nice to dream.
But then again, Google is already moving into the virtual world business and, besides, the kind of immersive virtual 3-D world I envision will require a much faster and distributed internet, at least 2 orders of magnitude faster. Oh well, it's nice to dream.