We aren't too far off from having any surface in our homes converted into a "smart" surface. Even now, between smart phones, touch screens, Kinect body scanning, and interactive motion technologies we are already halfway there.
We have seen this sci-fi technology in movies from Snow White to Iron Man over many decades, and now it is on its way to becoming a reality.
"The leading U.S. innovator in glass for consumer electronics, Corning, has developed a technology that enables it to manufacture flexible glass as if it were printing wallpaper. The flexible glass will be used as a computerized touch surface, theoretically turning any surface -- from refrigerator doors to countertops to entire walls -- into smart-touch displays that function like iPad devices. This glass will have the moisture permeability, temperature tolerances and clarity of glass but the flexibility and low cost of plastic."
These magic mirrors will be like reflective iPads that can be customized to any size that will use voice, gesture and touch for control. This technology is already being introduced in malls as virtual dressing rooms. In the future your full length mirror will act as a place to "try on" clothing in your home before you purchase it over the internet. You will be able to read the news, check your email, respond to social media, and/or watch a movie while you are getting ready in the morning. Talk about multi-tasking, jeez!
Are you ready for this next techno wave?
For More Information: Magic Mirrors Emerge From Fairy Tales via Houzz
(Image: Houzz)
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I'm not certain how much use this would be in the bathroom, except maybe to have the news running while you get ready in the morning.
Uses I'd prefer:
- part of a wall in the kitchen near the prep area where I could bring up my recipes or clips of cooking shows while I'm cooking.
- part of a wall in the living or family room that replaces the TV. You can bring up television, movies, web browsing, or photos. When not in use, it should either look like a blank wall or show an image of your choice.
- Part of the surface of the refrigerator. Use it to "hang" kid's artwork, reminders, and have a To Do or shopping list that is easily modified. A similar surface would be nice in workshop or craft areas.
Awesome! More fingerprints on my mirror. It won't be the future until my mirrors clean themselves.
I agree, Duane! I already have to fight to keep them clean thanks to my Sonicare toothbrush! First world problems :) I agree with Terry about the recipes in the kitchen. THAT would be worth it. I'm just concerned about the computerized spaces in areas that have a lot of humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms. How does that work out?
This reminds me of all those futuristic movies I would watch and was fairly certain would never actually come to be, like flying cars. The future is now!
I think it would be cool to not have all those gadgets and wires cluttering up my home and be able to turn a wall into a TV Screen / Computer Screen, for example. Though the fingerprint thing would really bug me too.
I'm so ready for this! Would love if all your apps would sync too!
There are actually a few mirrors in development that give you vital signs (see 2011 Innovation Awards) - not just the weather. So when you're brushing your teeth - you can check heart rate and blood pressure measure heart health over time. Those, I can easily see the utility of - not so much when it comes to weather.
" except maybe to have the news running while you get ready in the morning."
I already have this function - it's called a radio!
No more new technology until we get the said promised
"flying cars"!
not a fan.
Just had to buy a new desktop with help of tech support , less is more to me.
I would love it if I could read my email, check the weather, check FB, look at my calendar while I brush my teeth in the AM.
Don't like. There are too many distractions as there are. I don't need another stupid screen in my life.
@Heather C - I'm with you on that. I'd love for my mirror to scroll through twitter, give me weather updates, and give me my reminders for the day while I'm brushing my teeth.
I love that people are concerned about fingerprints on their mirror. I suddenly feel like I should go clean mine.
I'd rather have the virtual world and enhanced enviromental info transmited directly to my contact lenses.
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