Glossary
Smart Mirror Glossary: Terms Explained Simply
Smart mirror, magic mirror, two-way mirror, AR overlay – many terms circulate around interactive mirrors, and they often get mixed up. This glossary brings clarity: every definition in two or three sentences, without marketing fog.
Smart mirror
A mirror-format screen that shows a live camera feed enriched with digital features – in fashion retail typically virtual try-on, style advice, and product recommendations. The umbrella term for all variants below. In depth: smart mirror guide.
Magic mirror
A marketing synonym for smart mirror, coined by early retail installations. Technically the same concept; the term is used more often for event and show installations.
Two-way mirror (spy mirror)
Semi-transparent mirrored glass with a display behind it. Switched off it looks like a normal mirror; switched on, the screen content shines through. The most elegant smart mirror build – but more complex and expensive than a pure display mirror.
Display mirror
The pragmatic build: a portrait-mounted LCD screen shows the camera feed in real time and thus acts like a mirror. Affordable, bright, achievable with standard hardware – the basis of the Mira setup.
Interactive mirror
A collective term for mirrors with touch or gesture control. In retail mostly synonymous with smart mirror; in hotels and bathrooms it often refers to simpler info displays (weather, news) without fashion features.
AI mirror
A smart mirror whose core features are based on artificial intelligence: person and garment recognition, generative rendering for try-on, style and colour analysis. Differs from a pure AR mirror through genuine analysis and advisory capability.
Virtual try-on
Trying on clothing digitally: customers see themselves in the mirror or on their phone wearing a piece they aren't physically wearing. Quality depends on the technology behind it – AR overlay or AI rendering. Details: virtual try-on explained.
AR mirror / AR overlay
The augmented-reality variant of try-on: a 3D model of the garment is placed live over the camera feed, similar to a social media filter. Fast and good for accessories – but with clothing, the drape often looks unnatural.
AI rendering (generative try-on)
The newer technique: a generative image model creates a completely new, photorealistic image of the person in the chosen piece – including realistic fabric fall and shadows. Needs no 3D model per garment; a product photo is enough.
Kiosk mode
A locked operating mode in which a tablet shows only the intended application – self-explanatory for customers and protected against misuse. Standard for unattended smart mirror stations in stores.
QR handoff
Transferring results from the store mirror to the customer's phone via QR code: look collages, wishlists, advisory results. Extends the store experience to home and social media – with the boutique's branding.
Digital signage
Digital display surfaces in retail (advertising and info screens). A smart mirror is technically related but interactive and personalised – it doesn't show everyone the same thing, but each customer their own look.
Phygital retail
The fusion of physical and digital shopping experience (physical + digital). The smart mirror is a prime example: real product, real store – digitally amplified by AI advice and virtual try-on. More: Mira for boutiques.
presence level
Mira's metric for a look's impact: the AI rates colour impact, fit, and occasion coherence and condenses them into one value – as a starting point for concrete improvement tips, never as a judgement of the person.