Smart mirrors are the kind of impossibly-fanciful technology-driven appliance that you’d only think to see in science fiction TV series like Black Mirror.However, over the last year they’ve begun their seemingly-inevitable march towards mainstream availability.
First emerging as concept devices by tech companies like Toshiba,
smart mirrors have subsequently rolled out to brick-and-mortar retailer
outlets over 2014, 2015 and 2016.
The tech is seen as a chance to enhance the traditional shopping
experience by retailers, particularly those specializing in fashion, and
offer a tantalizing experience that trumps the convenience of online
shopping.
Smart mirrors being sold to retailers come with unique feature sets
that allow customers to capture and view 360-degree images of products
and make side-by-side comparisons between them.
Ironically, however, the future of the smart mirror likely lies in homes.
Beyond retail, the concept of bringing a smart mirror to life have
attracted quite a following from resourceful hackers and DIY enthusiasts
crowds.
Even more recently, web developer and graphic designer Rafael Dymek has developed a working prototype for an “Apple Mirror.”
In a video posted online showing off his creation, he showcases the
mirror’s elegant integration with iOS and uses it to send messages, play
music, read news and watch videos.
Furthermore, the potential of a device like this to integrate with smart home tech is even more promising.
While it’s far from official, in practice it looks more or less like
the kind of experience Apple would provide if they ever decided to take
the category more seriously.
Which is, of course, the point.
Up until now the two biggest obstacles facing a mainstream-focused
smart mirror are the costs of building a hybrid-display that large and
the lack of software support.
Like virtual reality, all it will really take to unlock the potential
for consumer-grade smart mirrors is one a sign of solid support from
one of the big tech players. Given their recent willingness to push
forward with innovation in the worlds of smartphones and smartwatches, I
wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung ended up being that company. They’ve
experience in all the right areas of consumer tech (displays,
appliances, smart integration) as it stands and, just like with the
phablet, they love to be the one who makes the first move.
The fact is: whoever breaks open the category for business has the
first crack at what could be a highly-lucrative new segment of the tech
market. Along with the sale of the mirror itself, there’s potential for
accessories and customization markets, installations, software sales and
even advertising revenues.
It’s only a matter of time.
