As an experienced tech analyst and self-proclaimed smart home gadget geek, I couldn‘t wait to get my hands on the latest innovation in mirrors – the smart mirror. These high-tech mirrors provide interactive information displays, connectivity with other smart devices, and futuristic features like virtual try-on and skin analysis.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the origins of smart mirror tech, its current capabilities, the top products available now, and an outlook on what cutting-edge advancements are coming next. I‘ve done deep dives into the specs and functionality of the leading smart mirrors, along with detailed performance comparisons. Read on for a master class in this emerging category of smart home technology!
The Surprising History of Smart Mirrors
Believe it or not, the first primitive smart mirror popped up nearly a decade ago – long before today‘s smart home revolution. Here‘s a look back at the major milestones in the evolution of smart mirror tech:
2013 – The Emotional Ahh..Mirror
In 2013, married London artists and inventors Adrian and Clara Westaway created a peculiar internet-connected mirror called the Ahh..Mirror. True to its name, it was designed to improve your emotional state throughout the day with uplifting messages, music, and visualization exercises.
The Ahh..Mirror used facial recognition and sentiment analysis to detect your mood when you looked into it. An integrated Raspberry Pi computer analyzed your emotions and dispensed appropriate content to cheer you up, help you de-stress, or boost your confidence.
While quirky, this first emotional smart mirror sparked interest in the blend of technology and traditional glass mirrors.
2014 – Perseus Mirror Kickstarter Campaign
In 2014, startup Perseus Mirrors capitalized on the newfound interest in smart mirrors, launching a successful Kickstarter campaign for their own version.
The Perseus ditched emotion sensing for more practical smart features. It could display the weather, news, personal calendar appointments, and photos. It also let users control other smart home devices through the mirror‘s interface.
Raising over $100k on Kickstarter, the Perseus proved consumers wanted in-home displays to become more useful, connected devices.
The Perseus Mirror raised $100k on Kickstarter in 2014, demonstrating the appeal of smart mirrors
And over the next 3 years, the smart mirror space absolutely exploded.
2016 – Rapid Advancements
By 2016, just about every major tech conference included new smart mirror announcements and prototypes. Startups and major players alike were pushing the capabilities forward at breakneck speed:
- Fitness Tracking – Smart mirrors added exercise routing monitoring, heart rate tracking, sleep cycle analysis
- Home Automation – Control of other connected smart home devices like lights, thermostats
- Home Security – Motion-triggered recording, facial recognition entry capabilities
- Digital Assistant Features – Voice control of smart devices using integrated assistants like Alexa
- Appearance Analysis – Skin issue identification, virtual makeup trial
It was an incredibly rapid pace of advancement across all aspects of the smart mirror concept, signaling that big investment dollars were flowing into the promising tech.
2018 – Major Player Experiments
On the heels of all this startup activity, the big guns in consumer tech started dipping their toes into smart mirrors:
- Amazon launched the Echo Look in 2018 – an Alexa-powered smart mirror that provides fashion advice and tracking
- Samsung applied for smart mirror patents and has hinted at developing related technologies under their SmartThings brand
- Vuzix showed off a prototype smart mirror at CES 2020 that can switch between reflective glass and transparent screen modes
While still an emerging category, all signs point to smart mirrors steadily moving into the mainstream rather than fading as a passing fad. The applications to health, beauty, fashion, and daily convenience hold tremendous consumer appeal that big brands recognize.
Today‘s Standard and Available Features
As an early adopter always on the hunt for the next great gadget, I‘ve tested out quite a few smart mirrors firsthand. The features available today span 6 primary categories:
Information Display
- Weather
- News
- Stocks
- Personal calendar/schedules
- Geo-fenced reminders
- Photos
Home Automation
- Smart light control
- Smart temperature regulation
- Scene/mood control
- Appliance control
Digital Assistant Integration
- Alexa support
- Google Assistant support
- Custom voice control
Health & Wellness Tracking
- Exercise/workout logging
- Step counting
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep cycle analysis
Appearance Analysis
- Skin scanning and issues identification
- Makeup shade identification and virtual try-on
- Time-lapse aging analysis
Fashion & Wardrobe
- Clothing size and style identification
- Virtual dressing room try-on
- Full length Photos/Video
As you can see, today‘s smart mirrors have come a very long way from displaying only the weather and news. They now position themselves as complete home assistants managing everything from your calendar to your skin care regimen.
Next let‘s dive into some of the top smart mirror options available for purchase right now.
Top 5 Smart Mirrors You Can Buy Today
If you‘re itching to bring one of these high-tech mirrors into your own home, these 5 options currently lead the pack in terms of cutting-edge capabilities and positive customer reviews:
Smart Mirror Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perseus Mirror | $1499 | Overall | Weather/News/Calendar Integration, Home Device Control, Customizable Interface |
| HiMirror Smart | $199 | Budget | Daily Skin Analysis, Skincare Routine Tracking, Makeup Color Matching |
| Echelon Reflect | $1399 | Fitness | Streaming Fitness Classes, Progress Tracking, Body Metrics Scanning |
| Oak Labs Style | $995 | Fashion | Virtually Try Clothes, Saved Product Recommendations and Outfits, Real-Time Body Measurement |
| Magic Mirror | Varies | DIY/Customization | Modular Raspberry Pi-Powered Display, Open Source Software, Works With Many Smart Devices Like Philips Hue Lights and Nest Thermostat |
Below I‘ll analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each model through the lens of an experienced smart home tech reviewer.
1. Perseus Mirror – Best Smart Mirror Overall
Since starting the smart mirror trend back in 2014, the Perseus Mirror has continued leading the pack when it comes to premium capabilities and elegant design.
Key Strengths
- Home Automation Capabilities – Seamlessly integrates with 100+ smart home devices like Nest cameras, August locks, and ecobee thermostats. No configuration headache.
- Information Modules – Modular interface lets you customize exactly what info is shown from weather, to-do lists, stock tickers, Google calendar, etc.
- Automatic Power On – Detects your presence and turns on, then greets you to start your day. Small touch but feels strangely futuristic.
- Polished Design -Slim depth, sturdy concealed mounting, premium materials. More subtle than some competitors.
Potential Limitations
- High Cost – Given the abundant capabilities, the near $1500 price tag is justifiable, but still difficult for many budgets.
- No Fitness Features – Doesn‘t provide the workout class streaming or body metrics tracking that fitness-focused mirrors specialize in. But works well for post-workout stats tracking.
2. HiMirror Smart – Best Budget Smart Mirror
The self-named HiMirror Smart brings advanced skin scanning and daily beauty tracking to your vanity at an affordable sub-$200 price point.
Key Advantages
- Specialized Focus Area – Zeroes in specifically on appearance analysis and cosmetics. If skincare and makeup trial are your main interests, HiMirror is purpose-built for it.
- Great Value – Packs meaningful capabilities into a simple but reliable touch display, all for under $200. Hard to beat for budget shoppers.
- Regular Skin Reports – Logs daily images of your skin, noting changes over time. Can reduce guesswork in maintaining your complexion.
Downsides
- Limited Overall Features – Outside of the aesthetics niche, lacks the depth you‘ll find in more versatile smart mirrors. But easy to supplement with other smart gadgets.
- Video Features Can Be Buggy – Some user reviews report the photo/video features freezing or delivering inconsistent results.
So for shoppers that just want the skin analysis without other bells and whistles, the affordable HiMirror Smart delivers on its focused promise.
3. Echelon Reflect – Best Fitness Smart Mirror
Leading exercise bike company Echelon recently threw their hat into the ring with the specialized Echelon Reflect – a fitness-first smart mirror designed for home workouts.
Key Pluses
- Massive Class Library – Gets you right into the action with 1000+ on-demand workout videos and daily live classes. Enough variety for endless motivation.
- Body Tracking – Scans your body shape and movement to log fitness metrics like calories burned, flexibility score, and more.
- Leaderboard – Compete against other Echelon users with a performance leaderboard for extra accountability.
Limitations
- Requires Echelon Membership – Must pay a $40+/month membership fee after the first free trial to access classes and features. Ongoing cost to consider.
- Bulky Size – At 50" x 17", it dominates the wall space much more than other models. Ensure you have room for it.
If you‘re seeking the at-home fitness community and body tracking smart mirrors provide, the Echelon Reflect likely leads the market currently. But anticipate an ongoing membership cost.
4. Oak Labs Style – Most Innovative Fashion Mirror
Ever wanted to try on a whole virtual wardrobe without changing out of your PJs? That‘s the key promise of the aptly named Oak Labs Style interactive fashion mirror.
Where It Shines
- Next Level Virtual Dressing Room – Crisply superimposes clothing images layered over your real-time reflection with calculations for real sizing and drape physics. Feels almost real.
- Shop While You Try – Has shoppable product listings and outfit recommendation features built into the software. Almost dangerously easy buying flow.
- Full Length Photos & Video – Take pics and video of entire outfits to get a third-party perspective or share for feedback from friends. Helpful confidence boost.
Drawbacks
- Requires Large Wall Space – It‘s a full-length mirror so needs substantial open wall space – at least 65 inches wide. Ensure you have room before buying.
- Still Building Store Partners – Has agreements with recognizable retailers for try-on like Levi‘s and Tommy Hilfiger, but more niche brands may be missing. Library will grow over time.
For shoppers starved for a virtual dressing room, Oak Labs Style leads as the most vivid smart mirror that finally delivers the experience we expected in the future. Definitely one to watch as they expand integrations.
5. Magic Mirror DIY – Best Customizable Smart Mirror
If you like to tinker and program stuff, making your own customizable Magic Mirror can be a fulfilling smart home project.
Key Benefits
- Open Source Software – Build exactly the capabilities you want by mixing and matching various display modules people have designed. Library of options keeps expanding.
- Local Control – Runs on a Raspberry Pi microcomputer so requires no reliance on external services. And no subscription fees either.
- Endless Creativity – Make from any physical materials your skills allow, like 3D printed cases or wood frames. Show off your DIY talents!
Considerations
- Technical Skill Required – Does require comfortability with code, electronics, and maker hardware like the Pi and LED components. Check some online tutorials first before diving in.
- Ongoing Tweaking – Because it‘s self-built, expect to continually refine and update your mirror after the initial assembly. But for techies, that tinkering is the fun part!
The Magic Mirror DIY method delivers for creative problem-solvers who like to build exactly what they imagine, down to every line of code. Just anticipate an involved assembly and testing process.
What Does the Future Hold for Smart Mirrors?
We‘ve covered the early history, current marketplace, and top models today. But what about 5 years from now – how will smart mirror tech continue progressing? Based on early signals from startups and tech giants, here are a few ways I speculate smart mirrors will evolve by 2030:
More Personality and Bot-Like Conversations – Future smart mirror AI will feel more like talking with a person than a computer. Imagine playfully debating outfit options with an interface like Samantha from the movie Her. Thenext generation of conversational voice UIs will enable much more natural and useful dialogue with our mirrors.
Expanded Try-On For More Products – Virtual try-on will likely expand beyond just apparel to let you test makeup shades, hair colors, accessories, and more right from your mirror. The technology is already advancing quickly in these areas and smart mirror makers are paying attention.
Complete Health Tracking For Body and Mind – Using advanced computer vision, mirrors may scan infinitesimal changes in our faces and bodies to derive health insights related to nutrition, rest, stress levels, brain health, and more. Think of your mirror acting as an ever-present health sentinel picking up signals your doctor might miss.
Integration Into Appliances and Infrastructure – Rather than standalone panels restricted to the bedroom or entryway, smart displays could be embedded directly into the infrastructure of our homes. Imagine having an interactive mirror built seamlessly into the tile backsplash of your bathroom or super thin ones adhering directly onto large appliances. Smart mirror technology will likely merge into the broader smart home ecosystem for ubiquitous access.
If early smart mirrors focused on pragmatic daily conveniences like weather displays and home controls, the next era will position them as intelligent health advisors, personal shoppers and stylists, and omnipresent home assistants. I for one can‘t wait to see these predictions come true!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other perspectives on where smart mirrors are headed in the future. I‘m always intrigued to discuss emerging technology outlooks with fellow forward-looking geeks!
