There’s a new reason for non-gamers to look into the Xbox One Kinect 2. The new Mall app, launched this week by Dublin-based Von Bismark, uses Kinect to let you try before you buy while remaining in the comfort of your home.
Called “the dressing room,” this feature of The Mall app lets you try on clothes by virtually overlaying garments on your body using Kinect and a HoloLens. Select an outfit and then stand in front of the TV to see how it looks in real time. While you may not be able to feel the drapes or rub the fabric between your fingers, you can get an idea of whether you’ll look totally ridiculous or if that shade of blue complements your eyes. The best part is obviously avoiding the horrors of a physical store. You can take snapshots, go for a full look, and more. The app itself is free, as is any hilarity that results from moving around in clothes that aren’t really there.
Sadly, the clothes are not free. PowaTag, the Android or iOS QR scanner app enables you to buy what you’ve tried with your currency of choice (confusingly, considering Xbox is Microsoft’s system, there’s no PowaTag app for Windows mobile users).
Connected dressing rooms aren’t necessarily new, but this is one of the first times that virtual try-on is available outside a brick and mortar store. Xbox One users without Kinect can still download and use the Mall, albeit with a fraction of the fun and function.
Eoghan O’Sullivan, Von Bismark CEO said in a statement, “The Xbox One is the perfect device to launch on — it’s incredibly powerful, built for smooth interaction and with the Kinect camera we can bring you as close to physically trying on the clothing as you will ever get when shopping online.”
In case it was unclear, this is an Xbox-only opportunity at the moment — nothing yet for PS4 (and don’t even think about it for WiiU). You’ll also need an online account. So far SoccerPro, Grayers, Go2Games, and Style PB have signed up for the virtual shopping experience with more brands to come. The app is still growing, as is the clothing selection. As of now, it’s only available in the US, but is coming to the United Kingdom and Canada in February of next year.
Few things ruin a quiet evening faster than a robot vacuum roaring through the living room. Most of us end up pausing the cleaning run, which defeats the whole purpose of owning one. Matic thinks it has the answer with its new Serene robot vacuum, and the big selling point is how little noise it makes.
The Matic Serene runs at 52 decibels even when cleaning at full power. To put that in perspective, Matic compares it to the hum of your refrigerator. It is available now for $1,695, which is $200 more than the original Matic’s current price.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.