Wize up: Look in mirror for health scan

Research into a new smart device called the ‘Wize Mirror’ is being funded by the EU. It could play a vital role in getting people to change their habits and prevent disease — but how safe is a mirror in our bathroom that connects to the internet and stores our information?

The Wize Mirror contains 3D scanners, multispectral cameras, gas sensors, and facial recognition software to evaluate the user’s health. The first prototype of the device was launched by a consortium headed up by an Italian National Research Council team called Semeoticons.

Designed for use in public areas such as workplaces and schools, as well as for personal use in the home, the device will be able to track changes to your health by monitoring parameters such as cholesterol deposits in the skin, heart rate, and oxygen levels.