Patent ID: 8533610

Claim:
A computer-based method of creating and using a portable and widgetized avatar, comprising: providing a networked server; wherein said networked server is comprised of a virtual shopping environment; wherein said virtual shopping environment is a virtual representation of a real world mall; providing a computer networked to said networked server; wherein said computer has a display; gathering a plurality of personal information from a user; creating an avatar on said computer, such that said avatar comprises a virtual likeness of a user based on said plurality of personal information; equipping said avatar with one or more accessories for the avatar; displaying said avatar on said display; wherein said avatar is portable and widgetized, such that said avatar may reside as a non-static content on at least two partially static web pages; wherein said avatar becomes portable after creation without a new creation process; wherein said virtual shopping environment is comprised of one or more virtual storefronts; wherein said avatar moves virtually through said one or more virtual storefronts; browsing by said avatar a plurality of items for sale in said one or more virtual storefronts; purchasing by said user at least one of said plurality of items; wherein said plurality of items presented for sale in said one or more virtual storefronts are related to said plurality of personal information of said user.