What to Know About Smart Mirrors

Remember when the Evil Queen in Snow White talked to her Magic Mirror? While they may not be magic per se, smart mirrors will still make you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale, as these cool, high-tech devices can answer your questions and provide you with information — all while you apply your makeup.

What Is a Smart Mirror?

Smart mirrors feature a digital display behind the glass and connect to your phone via Bluetooth or WiFi. Through this display, you can typically get information such as the date and time, daily news, weather forecasts and traffic reports. Smart mirrors often have built-in LED lights, allowing you to adjust the color and warmth to provide optimal lighting for your needs. Some smart mirrors play music via Bluetooth and let you make phone calls or access the apps on your phone.

Smart mirror technology is increasingly used for specific applications, from beauty to fitness. The beauty-focused HiMirror can provide personalized information about your skincare and makeup, while the fitness device Mirror provides workout guidance right on the glass.

How Does a Smart Mirror Work?

Smart mirrors feature three components: a two-way mirror, digital display and computer. Unlike standard mirrors, smart mirrors need light to pass through from behind the glass to view the display. That’s why you need a two-way mirror, like you’d find in a police station.

Behind the glass there’s a built-in digital display (a monitor screen or tablet) powered by an internal computer. The computer connects to your home’s wireless network or your phone via Bluetooth, allowing it to display real-time information from the Internet.

How Much Does a Smart Mirror Cost?

As you can probably guess, smart mirrors are significantly more expensive than traditional mirrors — after all, they have a computer inside them!

Small, smart makeup mirrors from HiMirror start at around $120, the fitness-focused Mirror costs $1,500, and others are even pricier. You’ll also find options in between, such as the ad notam Smart Mirror at about $550.