Japanese company, Seraku, has created a mirror, which is controlled by an Android tablet from behind the scenes, that can be installed in bars and restaurants, allowing you to read news, check the weather, or do other things, all while washing your hands.
The mirror is called ‘Smart Wash Basin’.
The ‘mirror tablet’ was spotted at the Japanese Smartphone and Mobile expo – which showcases all the latest technology coming to a smartphone near you – by website The Verge.
All though most concepts and prototypes shown at expositions and trade shows have little to no chance to ever getting into actual production
Powered by a humble Android tablet, the device can display widgets on your mirror – even attaching to scales to give you your weight – and is adaptable to a wide range of widgets and apps to make those morning routines a bit less mundane.
Naturally, the one thing we don’t want is a mirror full of fingerprints, so the mirror uses radio sensors so you can keep your fingers a few inches from the surface when swiping between screens.
With the use of an RF proximity sensor and an Android-powered tablet, the “mirror” can detect where your hands are, so in theory it can be operated without any direct interaction whatsoever. You only have to wiggle your hands around the screen and you can open, close and access any pre-installed apps on the tablet that operates the mirror.
The technology has not gone to market yet, but the tech company Seraku told The Verge that potential uses were for the home market, for customers of hair-salons to make their trims a bit more interesting.
The company also mentioned pubs could use the technology so that patrons could fill out surveys – although whether they would last too long on a Friday night in Britain is up for debates.