DIY for the tech nerd
For a fun project that will leave you with a useful, futuristic device to use at home or at the office, look no further. You can stare at yourself in the mirror, admire your own beauty, and simultaneously think about how clever you are for creating the news device you’re looking into. Creating a smart mirror that works as your personal display tool requires an old Android device whose services you no longer need, the ability to download some code, and beginner level crafting.
In addition to an Android device, you’ll need the following supplies in order to get started on your home smart mirror project:
Materials you’ll need
• Double-sided adhesives (like Command Strips)
• Two-way, see-through mirror plastic in whatever dimensions you choose for your mirror (must be larger than actual Android device)
• Black construction paper
• Packing tape
• Scissors
• Power connection next to mirror’s future location
• USB cable long enough to reach power connection
Smart mirror code
Your first step in this process is to use Hannah Mitt’s code on Github to install her app on your device. Mitt’s smart mirror software can display all of the following on your smart mirror once it’s all been set up.
The display features
• Day, time, and weather display
• Birthday messages
• Chore reminders
• Biking weather recommendation
• Stock price swings
• Today’s new XKCD (who doesn’t need this!?)
• Next calendar event
• Top news headline
• Face detection with mood detection (in case you aren’t sure how you’re feeling)
Building the mirror
Once you’ve downloaded the code, it’s time to build the mirror itself. Use double-sided tape to adhere your Android device to one corner of your mirror plastic, then cover the rest of your mirror in black construction paper to create a blackout. Mount the mirror plastic to the wall, with a power supply cord running to a wall outlet. Set your display preferences to never turn display off while the device is plugged in. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a home smart mirror.
