1. Appearance design
In terms of hardware configuration, the second version of the smart mirror we see now is not much different from the first version a few months ago, and there is no difference in the size and clarity of its display. The difference lies in the growth of its internal processor and storage space. This growth has made the instant video communication function that was not possible in the first generation a reality, so the front of the second-generation mirror has been added to the camera for the first time. Of course, it is also well hidden in the mirror surface, usually imperceptible.
The thickness of the mirror is still 1 cm as in the first generation, but the curved back design makes the whole more rounded, cutting off the excess space of the original boxy back shell. You can make a comparison between the first and second generations of the iPad, and roughly think about the changes in the mirror backs of the two generations. The back shell of the second-generation mirror is made of latex, and the first shipment is all red, in order to welcome the celebration of the Chinese New Year, and it is convenient for everyone to give gifts. There will be colorful rear cases in the future, but the rear case cannot be replaced for the time being.
2. Function and positioning
Compared with the first generation of the second-generation smart mirror, the biggest change is the update of its firmware. In terms of how to determine the first mirror function to face the public inspection, a lot of effort was put into it, just to cultivate the user's usage habits and describe a suitable usage scenario for everyone.
There are some mirror films on the market that allow the screen of a normal smartphone to act as a mirror when it is turned off. But relative to the technology of the moment, the display and touch capabilities were compromised. Although they were all systems modified by Android, at that moment, they obviously did not want their technology to be used in this way. They hope that through their own definition, everyone can make it clear that this is a mirror. In order to prevent this device from being reduced to a "mirror tablet", one of the most important issues was placed in front of Hao Xiaowei and his team - the precise positioning of the product.
The interface of the embedded system was very different at that moment than it was a few months ago. The screen is not always lit up at ordinary times, and the photo frame is displayed when it is idle, but it is usually just a pure mirror. It will only wake up when you press a button or say "mirror mirror" to the mirror.
Hao Xiaowei explained that one of the main uses of that moment was to facilitate messages, sharing pictures, etc. between different members of the family. Users can send voice greeting cards bundled with text, pictures and voice through the mobile client, and can also add background music. At the push of a button, previously received text, speech and images can be recalled manually.
Connect with WeChat and QQ
The new version has added the WeChat interconnection function. After adding a service account through WeChat, the voice, picture and text information on WeChat can be forwarded to the mirror. WeChat messages can only be sent in a single message.
The "QQ Internet" function will be added to connect smart devices certified by "QQ Internet" at home. On "My Phone/iPad", users can find "My Device" and select the mirror to initiate a video call.
"In fact, Tencent did this function originally to serve those smart TVs with Android system installed, and then install a TV version of QQ on it, so that it can be connected. However, in actual use, the QQ Internet team found that our mirrors are better than TV is more suitable for this kind of usage scenario." Hao Xiaowei said, "Because everyone is not used to a TV that has to be connected to the Internet all the time, the most important thing is that it has to be turned on 24 hours a day. We all think that TVs should be turned off at ordinary times, only when watching. It just turned on, so mirrors are more suitable for this function than TVs.”
This is why he believes that it is important to make everyone familiar with the default usage scenarios of smart mirrors at that moment. "This mirror is an Android system, so it can have thousands of functions. We don't plan to release these functions at the beginning. Although the function points have been made, we have not released them. We need to let everyone confirm that it is A mirror, and then slowly add these functions into it.”
