Computer business Apple has come out with a lot of innovative products in the past few years, most notably its Time Machine application.  But the company now seems to be thinking about going virtual.

Computer business experts got word of this potential move when the US Patent & Trademark Office published the fact that Apple recently filed a patent called “Enhancing Online Shopping Atmosphere.  The outline suggested a 3-D retail space that would provide many of Apple’s many offerings, including books, music and electronics.  

While some feel this is a sign that computer business Apple WILL go virtual, others are stating that this would not make sense given the company’s success with its retail stores offline and online.  Many experts feel that a move to the virtual would have happened years ago when other companies such as IBM and Reuters went virtual.  

The computer business’ patent outline also revealed an image depicting some segments of the virtual shop that showed all departments in separate areas, which does not seem consistent with Apple’s past reputation.

This is not computer business Apple’s first attempt to go virtual.  eWorld provided Mac users with a way to perform many tasks, such as reading news and managing e-mail.  However, the idea didn’t stick.

Added By:  Computer Consulting Kit