Will.i.am, one of the founding members of the Black Eyed Peas, recently announced the Xupermask, a face mask concept that not only protects its user from COVID-19 but also blends style and technology into a single facial package.
Built in collaboration with Honeywell and designed by Jose Fernandez, the Xupermask comes after the announcement of Razer’s Project Hazel and is obviously a challenger to it. At the heart of it, Xupermask is a face mask made with a silicon seal and an adjustable elastic strap. Additionally, the mask also has HEPA filters, combined with two three-speed fans – one on each side of the faceplate – that serve as both an air intake and exhaust.
The “intelligent” part of Xupermask includes the technology that Will.i.am and Honeywell have seemingly built into it. Aside from the LED lights (but of course), the facial accessory also features a magnetic docking system for the included ANC wireless earbuds, Bluetooth 5.0, an external charging port, and a built-in battery pack that provides up to seven hours of continuous use.
Of course, unlike Project Hazel, the one thing Xupermask doesn’t have is a transparent mouthpiece that allows people to see your lips while you’re talking.
As for availability, the Xupermask is set to drop on 8 April, surprisingly, and will first ship to markets in the US, Canada, UK, and EU. The mask will retail for US$299 (~RM1235) and will include a carrying case, three months worth of HEPA filters, multiple sized eartips, USB-C charging cable, and fabric mask.
(Source: Honeywell, Hot Hardware)
