When Your DIY Smart Mirror Won’t Cut It, Go With A Hilo
Browse the internet and you’ll find plenty of tutorials showing you how easy it is to make a DIY smart mirror. And it’s true – you can make a smart mirror fairly easily, but it likely will only have very basic features. Your DIY smart mirror may be able to display the weather, time, and show you some random news, but that’s it.
The problem is you have to be very good at coding to make your smart mirror intuitive, high-functioning, and customize the content. Unless you’re advanced in Raspberry Pi, you will have a difficult time adding modules like YouTube, your local news, and other Android apps. Even if you are able to add these features, you won’t be able to control them because your DIY smart mirror isn’t a touch screen.
So what’s the point? We’re here to tell you that you’re just wasting your time and money trying to DIY this project when instead you can buy a smart mirror that works how you want it to. Keep reading to see how.
The Frustration With DIY Smart Mirrors
Yes, you can indeed make your own smart mirror rather easily. These science-fiction magic mirrors are no longer a thing of our imagination, they’re real, and easy to make if you have the tools and know-how. The catch is, it depends on your definition of “smart.”
If you want the absolute basics, go wild! But if you want a smart mirror with actual customization and touch screen functionality, you’re going to have a difficult task ahead.
Plus, just think of everything you’ll need to create your DIY smart mirror:
- Tools
- A Raspberry Pi 3, or an older Raspberry Pi with a WiFi adapter
- A monitor with HDMI-in and a USB port to serve as the screen for your smart mirror (in whatever size you choose)
- A two-way glass mirror, the same size as your monitor
- A mouse and keyboard to set up the Pi
- A frame for the mirror to dress it up
That can add up quickly! You may end up spending a few hundred dollars on all of the components required, spend countless hours rigging it all up, then have to debug software issues again and again. How “smart” is a mirror that doesn’t work?
Not very smart at all if you ask us! Thankfully, there’s a smarter way…
An Easier Solution
At Hilo, we offer a plug-n-play model that is incredibly user-friendly. Simply install your device on the wall of your choice, follow the easy set-up instructions, and you’ll be off and running!
Your Hilo smart mirror has incredible functionality. You’ll be able to:
- Gain easy access to your social media apps
- Check the weather to plan what to wear
- View live traffic information for your commute and make sure you aren’t late
- Easily add reminders so you don’t forget a thing
- Pair with your other devices through WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB connection
A Hilo smart mirror adds style and modern sophistication to any room. The round mirrors are perfect for your bathroom or bedroom while the large mirrors are ideal for your home gym. Think a Tonal smart mirror, but at a fraction of the cost.
The Hilo has built-in speakers and a microphone so you can take calls, play music, or listen to/watch a program. A powerful LED keeps your mirror light and bright for whatever you need! You Can also use it as Mirror Workout.
Just imagine how long you’d have to tinker with your DIY project to gain that kind of functionality.
Your Hilo smart mirror can connect with your Fitbit or other fitness trackers. Plus, Kolibree Interactive, electric toothbrushes, Kérastase Smart Hairbrushes, smart scales, and more.
Plus, you can even connect your home security system. Manage your entire smart home right from your smart mirror! With Hilo, you can transform any wall into your smart home control hub.
The best part? There’s no coding experience or tech-savvy required. Hilo comes with an amazing, large touch screen mirror that makes it easy to explore your favorite apps. Plus, connecting to the Play Store through an Android interface allows you to easily access your favorite apps.
Summary
As you can see, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze when it comes to a DIY smart mirror. You’ll spend hours sorting out technical issues that can avoid by getting a Hilo. Your connected home and family will thank you. Right now, you can even give a Hilo a try for free for 30 days. Get yours now! If you have any hesitation that a Hilo smart mirror is the right choice for you, you have try it for free for 30 days.
