"Have you been looking for the perfect way to combine your passion for Disney with your passion for overly elaborate home security setups? Well even if you’re not, it seems someone out there is, which is probably what led to the development of the M30P Magic Mirror system. At first glance it looks like a regular old mirror hanging on your wall, but the mirror finish actually hides a 30 inch LCD display that features a CGI character known as “Basil of the Mirror” who magically appears to alert you about any problems around your home. The Mirror does require you to have an already existing security setup, but a collection of over 100 different messages make it seem as if Basil is actually monitoring your surveillance cameras, motion detectors and other security sensors. Some of the more popular messages include:
• “Hmmm…most curious… it seems that we have a pedestrian approaching up our driveway”
• “For your information… a motor car has departed”
• “It appears that a pedestrian is exiting out of our driveway”
• “May I inform you that the motor car garage door has just been opened”
• “Pardon me, this is merely a reminder, but the motor car garage door is still not secure”
• “Will someone please greet our guests at the door!”
• “Ahh yes….. it seems the Jacuzzi is now at the selected temperature”
• “Pardon me, but isn’t it time to leave for practice”
• “Alarm! Alarm! The pool gate has been opened”
The Magic Mirror can also be used to monitor the video feeds from your surveillance cameras which will automatically be displayed whenever Basil is notifying you about one of them. And if for some reason you’re not a fan of Basil’s personality, the company (Themeaddicts Inc.) can even create a custom character for an additional fee."
Read more: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/09/19/magic-mirror-home-security-system-is-a-bit-over-the-top/#ixzz3Dxdp4xIb
What do we think about the transition from the magic mirror as one who pronounces judgements and rates beauty to one who alerts you when it's time to leave? The original mirror was clearly powerful in knowledge if he was able to scan every beautiful face, so rating beauty would be only one of the functions he'd be able to fulfill.
*All the information about Basil is several years old now, looks like it might not have sold too well. There are multiple sources so I don't think it's a hoax but you never know...
If I had that hanging in my house it would creep me out!
ReplyDeleteI think the transition makes the mirror seen as a general giver of information, therefore taking away its association with appearance. The home security function could be performed by any object, whereas having an object comment on beauty be a mirror seems fitting because we all look in mirrors.
Good point, the function of mirrors is completely different than a security system. Some scholars think that, since we never meet the character of the King in Snow White, that the mirror really represents his judgements-after time he stops complimenting his wife and transfers those praises to his daughter.
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