Nintendo's Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a virtual exhibit that showcases the console's new features through interactive minigames and demonstrations, notably impressing with its advanced rumble technology that can produce musical sounds. While engaging and informative, it feels somewhat sterile and short-lived, offering a brief but insightful look into the hardware for new owners.
Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas cruise ship features a unique dining experience called Royal Railway Utopia Station, where passengers can enjoy a meal on a virtual train ride with simulated scenery and live shows. The experience costs extra and is not included in the cruise fare.
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to share audio during video calls, enhancing the virtual experience. Previously, users could only share screens and have video conversations, but now they can also share audio, enabling synchronized presentations, watching movies or shows, and listening to music. This feature has various applications, including remote technical help, collaborative work, and virtual events, providing a more interactive and interesting experience for all participants. It is beneficial for both leisure and enterprise purposes, allowing for polished virtual presentations and audio assistance.
Fortnite's collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy resulted in a virtual hotel experience called "Marriott Bonvoy Land," created by Zen Creative Studios. The land features four hotels from Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio, each with its own mini-game. However, the experience falls short in terms of gameplay and design, feeling empty and repetitive. While the collaboration may benefit Epic Games financially, it fails to provide a compelling and memorable experience for players.
On October 22, 2020, Macy's announced that Santa Claus would not be making in-store appearances at their department stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic, breaking a tradition that had been in place since 1861. Instead, Macy's offered a virtual experience where families could interact with Santa online. Other retailers also adopted virtual Santa experiences in 2020. However, in 2021, Macy's brought back in-person visits with Santa Claus in select cities, implementing COVID-19 safety measures such as masking and advanced reservations.