What Can A Smart Mirror Do In Your Bathroom And Is It Worth The Cost?

Magic mirror on the wall, can you play some music that enthralls? Do you think the mirror would have obliged had the Evil Queen posed this question instead of asking who was the fairest of them all? While this may remain one of life's greatest mysteries, we do know that you can install a magic mirror of sorts in your bathroom and request it to play a song while you go about showering, applying makeup, or using the toilet. That's not all. A smart mirror in the bathroom will also display weather updates, upcoming engagements, the date and time, and the news. 

Though the mirror isn't magical in the literal sense of the word, its intelligent features might make you believe so. Have you ever wanted to easily look through your email while brushing your teeth or watch a video tutorial while doing your makeup? Well, smart mirrors can make these desires a reality. However, as you can probably imagine, these devices can be pricey. To determine if a smart mirror is worth the cost for you, it's crucial to learn exactly what they are, find out more about their many features, and consider their pros and cons.

A smart mirror is similar to a regular bathroom mirror in every respect, except it's not just a gorgeous piece of looking glass. The two-way mirror reflects light from one end (like a conventional mirror) but lets it move through at the back of the glass on the other end. This property allows you to view the display. Moreover, it has a smart display and an internal computer.

The smart display is positioned behind the glass and can be a monitor, TV, or tablet. This component is essential to exhibit information like traffic or weather. It's also a key element that differentiates a smart mirror from a looking glass. Here, it's important to note that the display size isn't typically the same as the size of the mirror. While the display could match the mirror's size, it can be smaller, too. 

So what connects the mirror to the internet and allows it to showcase information in real-time? A tiny internal computer system, like Raspberry Pi, powers and runs the mirror. Simply put, this system allows the mirror to connect to a home's Wifi through Bluetooth. Put together, the three elements bring alive a smart mirror that can display updated information and sometimes also understand voice commands or hand gestures. The magic stems from the fact that the monitor and computer system aren't visible at all. The screen turns into a regular mirror when not in use.

Smart mirrors are so intriguing because of their many futuristic features. The cheapest options typically just come with built-in lights around the perimeter that can be dimmed by tapping the touch screen. Slightly more advanced types can display the time, weather, traffic reports, texts, emails, videos, and updates about the news or your specific schedule. Many also come with speakers to play music. Further, you may never have to use toothpaste to defog shower steam from mirrors again, as many smart mirrors have a built-in feature that defogs it for you.

There are also more advanced smart mirrors that can display medical information such as your weight, BMI, and body temperature. These may connect to a scale or another device on the floor. Other types can provide you with information that assists in makeup or skincare application. There are even options that can be connected to workout subscriptions and will lead you through a specific exercise regimen — you may no longer need a home gym that inspires you to work out.

Additionally, some smart mirrors have facial recognition technology that helps the looking glass tailor content that's specific to the person present in the bathroom. You can also often ask your mirror questions or give it voice commands, especially if you hook it up to another smart home device. Finally, such mirrors are typically equipped with motion sensors to detect movement within their periphery and turn on the surrounding LED lights automatically.

There's no denying that smart mirrors are incredibly convenient and functional. After all, having access to your calendar and email while brushing getting ready for the day will help you plan everything in advance. Checking the traffic route before you hop in your car will allow you to avoid congestion zones, too. Another pro is that smart mirrors can oftentimes be customized to your desires and allow you to display only what you want to see. 

However, the added convenience and awe-worthy technology come at a high price. To illustrate, a smart mirror bathroom will cost you anywhere between $100 to $2,800 (or higher), depending on the size of the glass and the features you opt for (both stereo speakers and a microphone, anyone?). You might also have to bear subscription fees if you use the mirror to stream premium video content, like workout classes. Another downside is that these mirrors can be more difficult to install — here's the safest way to install a heavy mirror in your home.

Regarding the justification of cost, only you can decide that. If you can spare the money and want to multitask while using the bathroom, then a smart mirror might be a worthwhile investment. But if you mostly just desire to use the mirror as a looking glass, you might want to stick with the one you have.