A Ding

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    ALIBABA demonstrated a prototype of its new virtual reality (VR) product Buy+ in Hangzhou on June 30, which may start a new trend in the online shopping experience. Buy+, a panoramic shopping application, claims to offer a shopping experience through VR technology.

    How does it work? The demo uses the HTC Vive, a VR headset developed by HTC and the Valve Corporation, only released in April this year. It provides users with an immersive experience of online shopping, where they can actually “visit” large shopping malls or small stores sitting in the sofa of their living rooms.

    During the demo, a sales robot (acted out by a human shopkeeper) helped the client pick a handbag and answered his questions. The client could open the bag and observe the merchandise from every angle.

    When the client clicks on the item in a virtual shop to check for details, a model will walk the runway and demonstrate the piece with recommended matchup pieces and accessories.

    The current version lacks a key feature Alibaba previously planned to add — allowing the client to try out an outfit in the virtual shop. It’s also unclear how fast Taobao shop owners set up their “virtual shops.” Zhuang Zhuoran, senior official with Alibaba, said during the demonstration that Taobao shop owners will create their own VR content while his company will provide technical support.

    From July 22 to 24, the first Taobao Creation Festival will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. Touted as the Chinese version of CES, the exhibition will display products, applications, music and fashion. Those interested can try Buy+ at the show.