The New York Times Co., parent company of the Gray Lady, About.com and other publications, has its own research and development lab aimed at devising new ways to share media with readers. This latest invention takes that a step further, connecting you to much more than just the news. Through the looking glass, you could read the headlines while brushing your teeth or fixing your hair; refill a prescription or learn about your medicine by scanning an RFID tag on the bottle; and exchange messages with coworkers or other members of your household. It actually reminds us a little of this winner of our 2011 Invention Awards, though much more in-depth and consumer-focused.
The mirror uses Microsoft’s Kinect motion sensor to read physical signals from the person standing in front of it, according to a demo of the device over at Harvard’s Nieman Journalism Lab. The Times Co. has two versions, one of which would offer prescription information and coupons, and another with an online retail experience that lets you try things on, and suggests new outfits, based on what you wear in front of it. Click through to the Nieman Lab for demo videos with Brian House, The Times Co.’s creative technologist.
