Mirror Mirror On the Wall
Source: scoop.it
31 August 2011: The New York Times Co.’s R&D Lab has created a futuristic mirror that can give you information on just about anything you want, all whilst you brush your teeth or style your hair. The device (working name: “the magic mirror”) uses Microsoft’s Kinect motion-sensing technology to read physical cues from its owner, as well as voice recognition technology to detect verbal cues, and the Times’ powerful API’s to serve information upon demand.
Ideally the device would replace the standard bathroom mirror, with the objective of bringing a new kind of intimacy to the news experience. The user can browse Times headlines, watch Times videos, schedule events on a personalized calendar, shop online, or maybe just leave messages for other members of the household. It can display information about health products, give details on nearby doctors and pharmacies, as well as provide coupons for discounts for products.
In its current form, “the magic mirror” is clearly a very Times oriented experience, but with only a small amount of evolution it certainly has the potential to be a powerful retail tool. In Brian House’s demonstration of the mirror, he shows it generating a tie for him to trial out, matching it to his body position, as well as showing past outfits that he has worn. Purchasing items through the mirror is surely only a matter of time away.
