It used to be just the stuff of science fiction, but online store giant Amazon has recently patented a "magic mirror" that will let users try on any piece of clothing, virtually, before they decide to purchase it.
According to the patent, the mirror will be a projecting an image that will be a composite of reflection and transmission. For example, the mirror would track the user's face and eyes and will decide that those parts will be reflected. The transmitted part will be the background and the superimposed clothing. For example, a user could try on a beach outfit and set the mirror's background to some beach in Hawaii.
This is a significant step-up from the current Amazon Echo Look technology.
Amazon's Echo Look, which is currently a service that is invite-only, offers a similar experience. However, it does not process images in real time like a "magic mirror" would do.
With Echo Look, users can take a full body picture of themselves. An Amazon software will then analyze the image, and the company's digital assistant Alexa will make outfit recommendations based on the user's photograph.
For now, Amazon declines to comment on the "magic mirror" product, as usual. The company has been known not to discuss their patents until they actually come to fruition.
However, it is known that Amazon is trying to expand their market and establish a presence in the fashion world — a field that the online store giant is yet to get a foothold in. The company has started a clothing line and is constantly updating the algorithms to make Echo Look give better recommendations.
Amazon also recently acquired technology from Body Labs that can render virtual 3D images of the human body. It is possible that this technology will be integrated into the patented "magic mirror," if ever the product will be officially launched.
