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CNN's Marsha Walton explains how your computer could soon give the mall a run for your money
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February 18, 1999
Web posted at: 3:31 p.m. EST (2031 GMT)

INDIAN WELLS, California (CNN) -- A lot of high technology developers want more than anything to be part of the electronic commerce explosion.

At the Demo '99 gathering in California dozens of companies showed off products and technologies they hope will make consumers want to log on to cybershops rather than drive to the local mall. Experts say even small retailers are joining the e-commerce craze, setting up shop in virtual malls to sell their products online.

Soon, you might not just order your barbecue grill online; you will also be able to call up 3D instructions to help you put it together. If you want to order a new credit card, go to the Nextcard Visa Web site, type in your name and address and within eight seconds the company will tell you whether you're approved or not. Submit a digital photograph of yourself and your new credit card will arrive in the mail.

Another unique Internet product called Look and Buy lets online shoppers browse inside a real store with a camera that they control. When they see what they want it's as easy as clicking on the image and filling out the order form.

Hypercosm is a new 3D process that doesn't take forever to download. Its makers hope the program will be used for both e-commerce and educational applications. Just talk to your computer and it will find things on the Internet for you, asking questions to narrow your search.

Another unique use of speech recognition technology is from Lernout & Hauspie. Just speak in English and it not only recognizes what you say but will translate it into the language of the person you're talking to on the Web.

Internet retailers hope they can speak the language of online consumers by making interaction with computers easier. Such technology will likely fuel the continuing explosion of electronic commerce.

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