It is CES 2021 – the first virtual avatar of the biggest technology event to kick-start in 2021 and, although most of us are enthusiastic about the influx of smart technology to improve our daily lives with the various gadgets, such as technology not can you handle the biggest question here – how does the latest technology affect / improve our greed-infested world? 2021 promises to be the year of solutions, with vaccines launched quickly, but realistically, we know that the masks are not going anywhere. Razer, the world’s leading brand of lifestyle accessories for gamers, takes a dive into the world of face masks with the concept of ‘the world’s smartest mask’ called Project Hazel.
The design of the face mask is shiny, waterproof and scratch resistant, with a transparent design to allow lip reading and made of recycled plastic. So far, so good. The main attraction is the two circular ‘Active Ventilation’ discs that are on the sides of your mouth and hold the reusable N95 filters that provide a 95% filtration efficiency. These filters are removable and refillable, while giving the mask a futuristic aesthetic that matches the game configuration you have with RGB Chroma LEDs. After all, every game configuration worthy of Instagram is in visual sync with each other, why shouldn’t your mask be part of the new normal? While the public is torn between ‘get my money now’ and calling it an ‘April Fool’s joke’, RGB certainly got the public’s attention. Jokes aside, if this is a feature that helps people maintain their masks wherever they are, I am totally in favor. The rings can glow with the color of your choice and the LEDs automatically detect and light in a low light setting to illuminate your face so you can always be seen speaking. How useful is this feature, something we will only know when we actually try it, but it looks good in theory!
To add to the futuristic appeal of this mask, microphones and amplifiers are built into the fans that will project your voice through the mask (I wonder if I can adjust this to sound like Bane, or even say that I am Batman with credibility!). Currently, the Razer team is working with THX sound engineers to balance the volume and achieve optimal accessibility. Despite the technology it has, Razer says the mask provides a comfortable wearing experience – using a silicone pad to create a seal around the mouth and nose. The mask also has adjustable ear loops to help with various face sizes. The mask is accompanied by an equally bright and desktop-worthy wireless charging case that uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the mask, while a mini display displays icons – what they represent is unclear until now.
Razer’s history of exhibiting incredible conceptual work at CES that later becomes a reality gives us hope that this mask can come to life – with further adjustments and certifications from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Safety and Occupational Health Administration. The mask is currently made for the masses, without variations in size or even beard. Razer was one of the few companies in the world that converted its factories to create surgical masks and wishing to donate and donate up to one million surgical masks. So cross your fingers and hope that a realistic and cheap version of this mask arrives soon – after all, we all have cotton masks, but I’m sure that a more functional and aesthetic mask is something we can all use.
Designer: Charlie Bolton from Razer
Transparent Design – Enjoy more continuous social interaction with other people, as they will be able to see you speak and understand your facial tips easily.
Low light mode – The interior of the smart mask automatically lights up when it is dark, allowing you to express yourself clearly, regardless of lighting conditions.
Surgical respirator N95 – In addition to its high bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), the mask also has a high resistance to fluids that protects against large drops and splashes.
Active Ventilation – The detachable fan of the smart mask regulates the air flow and is able to filter at least 95% of the airborne particles.
Voicecamp Technology – Thanks to a combination of built-in microphone and amplifier, its patent pending technology ensures that your speech is not muffled even when you are masked.
Optimized air flow – Its active ventilation brings cold air and releases the heat produced on exhalation, which also prevents the accumulation of CO2 in the mask which can cause headaches and dizziness.
Wireless charging case with UV sterilizer – With a fast dual-function charger that sterilizes at the same time, the smart mask is always ready to use. Lights from red to green for easy reference when checking the battery level.