Looking glass, vanity take on new meaning with Selfie Mirror

Selfie sticks can be awkward to use, and have even been banned in some areas. For those who feel the need to post and share their face with the world, there’s a new product in development. Smart Ltd. announced its plans to take its prototype Selfie Mirror to the open crowdfunding market in an effort to release what it is proclaiming to be the world’s first smart mirror; one designed specifically with hands-free selfies in mind.

“Our homes are comfort zones, where we play, relax, listen to music, and hang out with family and friends,” explains a voice in Selfie Mirror’s promotional video. “What if all that could be enhanced with technology — a modern smarthome in which an ordinary mirror becomes a portal to smart tech, home security and professionally lit photography?” With Selfie Mirror, both pictures and video can be uploaded. Built in sound means you can listen to your favorite music and podcasts.

The mirror is available to pre-order at www.selfiemirror.me for $250, and measures 700-1,200mm. The company describes it a perfect for a design mirror and full-body portraits. A smaller version (700-800mm) retailing for $200 can be placed on a dressing table or in a dressing room, and is designed for face portraits. No firm release date for the product has been set.

The company’s video shows that hands-free selfies still require a bit of input for the setup, such as setting a delay timer and picking the frame. The photos are captured in the prototype with a Sony 16 megapixel HD camera with a resolution of 2592 x 1922 and a quarter-inch lens. An eight inch interface display features a 1280 x 800 resolution. The edges of the mirror are to feature 2000 lumens of LED glow to set the stage for photos and serve as a built-in makeup light.

In addition to the selfies, the mirror can also be used for HD video blogging at 60 frames per second, with the ability to upload straight to YouTube. This should be simpler than setting up a home studio complete with camera, lighting and backdrop.

It’s not all about the vanity, though. The company says Selfie Mirror’s video capabilities also allow it to be used as part of a home surveillance system, with two-way communications options and a motion sensor that can send the feed directly to a mobile device.

As far as connectivity goes, it is unclear whether or not it will support wireless internet, Bluetooth and/or other options.

Entertainment and connectivity also play a big role in Selfie Mirror’s plans. Skype calls, Facebook and Twitter are all advertised, with the platform based on Android OS. The mirror can also serve as a smart home controller, compatible with a smart video doorbell, smart bulb and smart socket/plug. These accessories range in price from $25-90. There are slots for smart sensors to feature fire and gas leak detection, and sensors for air quality, temperature, and humidity.

The Seflie Mirror also plans to use its “high-fidelity sound system” — 150-20,000 Hz, 8 ohms, 15W, with a TDA7482 digital amplifier — to entertain through music and other content streamed from a connected smartphone. Also, much like terrestrial radio, Selfie Mirror will never let you forget the time, date or weather, with a “fast review” feature that includes news.

The company is also boasting a business version of the product, which does not appear to vary in price but is “optimized for business usage” with fast access to Uber and TripAdvisor, and selfie buttons designed for advertising on platforms such as Facebook. And to truly drive the point home, the product website features photos of the product hanging in a hotel, restaurant and beauty salon.

Selfie Mirror pre-orders are listed through trycelery.com, but the company has indicated Indiegogo as a possibility for funding the full production line.

An email to Chief Visionary Officer Dmitry Bogdanchikov, was not immediately returned, but we will keep readers updated on the latest in selfie technology if and when we hear back from him.

from Planet GS via John Jason Fallows on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SuKtlg
Bill Jones