virtual mirror

File:Virtual clothes trying (9507550174).jpg

A virtual mirror or smart mirror is a device which displays a user's own image on a screen as if that screen were a mirror. Some versions feature augmented reality additions to the video display, or use an entirely virtual graphical avatar of the user.

Virtual mirrors are available as mobile phone applications, with some allowing users to modify the appearance of their hairstyle, make-up or accessories. The technology is also used in online shopping{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelarthur/2016/06/15/future-of-retail-artificial-intelligence-and-virtual-reality-have-big-roles-to-play/#39083816420c|title=Future Of Retail: Artificial Intelligence And Virtual Reality Have Big Roles To Play|last=Arthur|first=Rachel|website=Forbes}} and in-store shopping to show people how an item of makeup, clothing,{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/1/3/16844300/amazon-patent-mirror-virtual-clothes-fashion |title=Amazon patents a mirror that dresses you in virtual clothes |last=Ong|first=Thuy|website=TheVerge|date=3 January 2018 }} handbag or accessory might look on them. Some major retailers use the technology to provide virtual dressing rooms to customers.{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2015/10/08/rebecca-minkoff-technology/|title=Inside LA's new, futuristic store -- magic mirrors included|last=Dishman|first=Lydia|website=Fortune}} These smart devices are used to enhance in-store experience, provide product information to customers and to display marketing and promotional messaging.{{Cite web|title=Case Study: Implemented In-Store Smart Device Platform and Analytics Engine for Two Major Retailers – Divertica|url=https://www.divertica.com/case-study-implemented-in-store-smart-device-platform-and-analytics-engine-for-two-major-retailers/|access-date=2021-03-27|language=en-US}}

A future-prediction report issued by Accenture in 2015 anticipated that the "in-store experience" on offer in future retail settings could include smart mirrors.Gregory, J., [https://www.conexxus.org/sites/default/files/book_files/Accenture-The-Internet-Of-Things.pdf The Internet of Things: Revolutionizing the Retail Industry], Accenture, p. 3, accessed on 22 January 2025 Many color contact sites feature a similar virtual try-on environment to simulate the look a user will achieve when actually wearing the contact lenses.