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.
