It looks like we’re now seeing the very first iteration of what could be the first 3D virtual world on the iPhone. Sparkle IM currently allows those who pay $4.99 for the application the ability to chat via IM and offline IM with Second Life residents. Eventually, Sparkle will have full 3D avatars, an economy, social networking features, and the ability to support thousands of users online in the same space synchronously. Previously, Apple’s TOS limitations (and tech limitations) prevented you from having any sort of subscription service or to sell anything within the application itself – but the new iPhone 3.0 upgrade this summer will allow virtual worlds to monetize traditionally, enabling more of these to pop up.
Definitely something to keep an eye on for those interested in virtual worlds as a widely spreading communication medium. I look forward to trying it out once it has more than Second Life features.
