AARP Hearing Center
Chances are good that you have quite a bit of tech around your home — including laptops, phones, smart speakers, smart TVs, tablets and even Wi-Fi-connected appliances in the kitchen and laundry room.
Next up may be your bathroom. Considering how much time we spend in that small sanctuary — more than two years’ worth of your life, according to a survey commissioned by U.K.-based bathroom supplier Bathroom Deal — technology may enhance the time you spend in the shower or tub, at the sink or on the toilet.
From smart toothbrushes and electric flossers to self-cleaning bidets, voice-activated showers and Android-powered mirrors, many new and innovative products are available or will be soon to add comfort, convenience and cleanliness to your routine.
A mirror that analyzes your skin
The smart HiMirror Slide ($99) is a vanity-sized mirror that can scan your face and analyze skin issues — including dark circles, red spots, fine lines — and give you personalized tips and product recommendations.
It does this with its camera, built-in twin LED face lights and software with baked-in artificial intelligence, but it won’t replace the mirror above your sink. The mirror lets you follow along with YouTube videos, including skin cleaning or makeup tutorials. The aptly named Slide features slidable panels and a foldable stand that can be rotated between portrait and landscape view.
You can use your voice to access weather, stream music, hear the news and so on, powered by Amazon’s Alexa smart assistant.
The Hilo Mirror is an Android-powered larger smart mirror with touch that also displays content such as videos or social media feeds. It includes a motion sensor, which automatically turns it on when you approach, and has a microphone and speakers.
The 13.5-inch Hilo Light ($889) is circular. The Hilo XL ($1,590) is a rectangular 31.5-by-23.5-inch model that can be hung either horizontally or vertically. Both models include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a USB port for easy connectivity with other devices.
Showerheads that do more
If you like singing in the shower, Kohler’s Moxie ($99) is a showerhead that doubles as a high-quality Bluetooth speaker. Simply pair your smartphone to the IPX7-rated Moxie to begin streaming audiobooks, music, podcasts or radio apps. IPX7 means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.