In the market for a new fridge or oven but not sure how it will look in your kitchen? Jenn-Air has a handy new iPhone app to show you. The free DesignVision app uses simple augmented reality to superimpose the appliance of your choice in photos you take of the kitchen.
We tried it out and got some pretty good results. We also got some funny sight gags.
The app features 6 appliances types, including refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers. Within each category, you can select from the multiple models Jenn-Air offers, as well as various color schemes. Pinching and zooming on the screen lets you easily size the appliance to fit the setting — with two caveats. The iPhone camera doesn't shoot at a very wide angle, so you have to step back pretty far to get enough of your kitchen in the shot. In a small space (like the kitchen in our New York office) it just may not be possible. Also, the app puts the item in the middle of the frame. You can't slide it off to the left or right.
DesignVision is handy even if you don't end up buying a Jenn-Air appliance. Want to see how a brushed-metal- vs. woodgrain-finish dishwasher would look? You can get a pretty good idea from superimposing Jenn-Air's models.
You can superimpose the appliances on any scenery. We had a little fun on the way to work — dropping a fridge into various Manhattan landscapes as it if were the wandering gnome.
The Flatiron Building — and a fridge
Astor Place — and a fridge
Refrigerator at 18th and Broadway
High fashion, and refrigeration
The joy of fridge