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Got an iPhone X? Try on Warby Parker Glasses at Home

An AR-powered Virtual Try-On feature uses Apple's ARKit and TrueDepth to let you see how those glasses will look on your mug–similar to a Snapchat lens.

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

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Thinking of getting a new pair of glasses? Warby Parker already lets you pick five pairs of its frames to try on at home for free, but now there's an easier way.

The company just added a new augmented reality-powered Virtual Try-On feature to its iOS app that lets you see how those glasses will look on your mug, without having to physically try them on. The feature uses Apple's ARKit and TrueDepth technology to beam the frames onto your face—similar to a Snapchat lens.

"Unlike other VR applications, our Virtual Try-On tool uses an in-house placement algorithm that mimics unique 3D facial curvatures (because you and your eyewear are 3D!), resulting in a lifelike fitting room experience that reflects realistic frame color, texture, size, and fit," a Warby Parker spokesperson said.

To see how realistic it is, check out the video below.

The feature only works on iPhone X, XS, and XR devices, so if you have an older Apple smartphone or Android, you're left out of the fun. Once you narrow down your options, you can share photos of your favorite Virtual Try-Ons with friends and family to see which pair they like best.

Previously, iPhone X users could scan their faces and get recommendations from Warby Parker, but that feature didn't actually place the glasses on your face.

"Shopping for glasses is challenging for most people," Warby Parker Co-Founder and Co-CEO Dave Gilboa said in a statement. "It's one of the only products you wear on your face, and slight differences in sizing or shape can have a dramatic effect on whether a frame fits well or not. Virtual Try-On really changes the way you can shop for glasses—especially for customers who don't live close to a store—and it's inherently enjoyable to use."

Warby Parker is just the latest retailer to embrace AR. For more, check out our list of the best AR apps that let you virtually try before you buy.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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