Marketing Trend Tracker - Series 7

February 23, 2024

Source: Apple

Apple Vision Pro is setting the stage for a transformative shift in the metaverse, ushering in a new era of immersive experiences. This innovative platform is reshaping how we interact with virtual environments, redefining retail experiences, and offering unprecedented levels of engagement. With its advanced spatial computing capabilities, it's not just changing our perception of reality, but also how we shop, socialize, and explore in the digital world.


Obsess: Pioneering Immersive Shopping


Apple Vision Pro is spearheading a paradigm shift in immersive shopping experiences. Obsess, a tech innovator renowned for creating AI-fueled virtual stores, has developed four unique shopping apps exclusively for this platform. These pioneering apps, which won't be available on Meta Quest 3, add an extra layer of exclusivity for Apple Vision Pro users. Although the apps are free to use, they offer in-app purchases through Apple Pay, ensuring a seamless shopping and payment journey.

The capabilities of Vision Pro are revolutionizing the metaverse by fostering a more interactive and engaging virtual environment. This advancement inspires developers to construct increasingly intricate scenarios, transforming the metaverse into a digital domain that rivals the richness of real-world interactions. Moreover, the advantages of spatial computing in retail provide users with an enhanced perspective, allowing them to visualize how products would look from different angles and alongside other items.

Obsess has collaborated with several brands to create apps that offer these 3D experiences. Known for developing AI-powered virtual stores for luxury brands like Armani, Coach, Fendi, Prada, and even unexpected names like Corona and Crocs, Obsess started crafting these virtual stores in the summer of 2023. The goal? To invigorate online shopping by infusing it with the excitement and enjoyment of physical store shopping.


Neha Singh, CEO of VisionOS developer Obsess, sheds light on the appeal of these virtual stores, noting, "users dedicate over double the time on a single page in these virtual stores compared to all other pages on an e-commerce website combined." Singh further elaborates on how this platform can help brands gather valuable data. For instance, J.Crew can gain insights into which outfits users are trying on their virtual avatars, the popularity of different outfit combinations, and which outfits are saved most frequently.


But Obsess isn't just about creating virtual stores; it's about developing immersive browser-based experiences. This includes tools for mixing and matching outfits, remote shopping with friends or sales associates, and even transforming an indoor space into an outdoor setting.

Source: E.L.F. Cosmetics

E.L.F. Cosmetics: Embracing Self-Expression


E.L.F Cosmetics has blazed a trail in the beauty industry by launching one of the first beauty shopping apps for Apple Vision Pro, aptly named "Your Best E.L.F." This innovative app, also accessible via a microsite, is designed to help users unwind and discover their best selves.


The app encourages self-expression, self-care, and relaxation, offering an array of activities to engage users. These include guided meditation sessions, stretching exercises, and a paint-by-numbers game, providing a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment.


Adding to its immersive appeal, the app features three distinct 'environments'—Camo Cove, Big Mood, and Halo Glow—each modeled after an E.L.F product line. These virtual spaces not only contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal but also provide users with a unique shopping experience. Users can explore these environments and shop for their favorite E.L.F products via Apple Pay, enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of their shopping journey.

J. Crew: Personalizing Fashion


J.Crew is leading the way in fashion retail with their innovative "J. Crew Virtual Closet" app, an exclusive offering for Apple Vision Pro. This trailblazing app sets a new standard for fashion shopping experiences by being the first to incorporate a virtual styling closet and Apple's SharePlay feature on its advanced spatial computer.


This innovative technology lets users interact with digital info in their physical space, offering a seamless immersive experience beyond screen limits. Unlike VR headsets like Meta Quest, which focus on separate immersive digital spaces, Apple Vision Pro integrates digital and physical realms. VR headsets transport you to a virtual environment, while spatial computing brings digital elements into your real space. This interactive experience allows users to engage with digital content as physical objects in their space.

Source: Obsess

The Virtual Closet app from J.Crew is among the first to harness the power of SharePlay on Apple Vision Pro, a visionOS feature that takes digital retailing to new heights. SharePlay offers a robust suite of features for shared experiences during a FaceTime call through Vision Pro. The app utilizes a digital representation of a user, capturing their subtle facial expressions and gestures, to facilitate one-on-one video calls with J.Crew's expert stylists or host group video chats for real-time feedback on selected outfits. As soon as one person creates an outfit, it becomes visible to the other party, enabling them to react, comment, and provide feedback instantly.


Moreover, the app allows users to examine clothing items or accessories up close, revealing intricate details such as the weave, texture, folds, creases, and dyes of a product. This level of detail enhances the shopping experience, giving customers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the product.


The introduction of Apple Vision Pro is a pivotal moment in the evolution of the metaverse. It's not only redefining immersive experiences but also reshaping how we interact within virtual environments. The impact it's making on retail, social interactions, and digital exploration is profound. As Apple Vision Pro continues to push the boundaries of reality, it's clear that this innovative platform is setting new standards for virtual reality technology, cementing its role as a game-changer in the metaverse.


At SparkShoppe, we never miss a beat when it comes to keeping up with the trends. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help your company stay ahead of the times with our expert team of marketers!

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SparkShoppe in collaboration with our retail and CPG partners has proven the power of a retail media network. The results are driven from the ability to provide targeted advertising, create additional revenue streams for retailers, enhance the shopper experience, offer valuable data insights, and foster collaboration between grocers and manufacturers. When utilized effectively, it can be a win-win for all stakeholders involved. Ignite your strategy today by connecting with us!

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