Hazel Project it started out as a concept to explore how technology could improve the traditional face mask, but now Razer is taking that idea and turning it into something you can buy, making Project Hazel a real product.
Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan confirmed the move to transform Project Hazel into a suitable retail device during an interview with Yahoo Finance, saying “We realized that even with the vaccines we’re hearing, you still need to be masked because there is still a risk factor that, even if you get vaccinated, you still need to be extremely careful. “
Tan also added that while many countries have been able to purchase covid-19 vaccines for their residents, people in other regions or countries may not have access to the vaccine for another year or two. Furthermore, in places like Asia, where wearing a mask was already quite common even before the success of covid-19, Razer’s more substantial masks seem to offer a more permanent solution to typical disposable paper masks or even alternatives reusable fabric.
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Although Razer has not yet set a price or an official release date for its mask, Project Hazel (or whatever the final name) must include a transparent hard plastic housing with replaceable N95 filters embedded on both sides, along with with recessed lighting to help illuminate your face in the dark and Razer VoiceAmp technology to ensure people hear your speech loud and clear.
Finally, in addition to the replaceable N95 filters, Project Hazel must also come with a rechargeable disinfection case that uses ultraviolet light to sanitize the mask and complete the mask’s integrated battery between uses. Oh, and because it’s a Razer product, Project Hazel also comes with support for Chroma RGB, so you can change the lights on the outside of the mask to suit your mood.
Ultimately, even if you think the idea of a smart face mask is silly, Razer’s commitment to turning Project Hazel into a real product is yet another sign of how the pandemic continues to reshape what people consider normal. And even after a large part of the population is vaccinated, the desire for more substantial protection against airborne illnesses seems very prudent, although I still don’t believe in the need to make the outside of the mask transparent.