At CES 2021 this week, gaming technology maker Razer unveiled a new concept design for a “smart mask” with N95 surgical respirator, RGB lighting and voice amplification technology. The idea behind the smart mask, called Project Hazel, is to both improve safety and solve some of the social problems inherent in wearing a face mask, such as muffled voices, while preventing it from being wasted because it is reusable.
Specifically, the Project Hazel smart mask is made of scratch-resistant, scratch-resistant recyclable plastic with a tight seal, made possible by its adjustable loops. The RGB lighting mentioned above allows over 16 million dynamic colors and flashes to highlight the wearer’s mouth, and its charging box also includes a disinfecting UV light. And a built-in microphone can amplify the user’s voice. According to Razer, Project Hazel’s BFE Smart Pods can “filter at least 95% of airborne particles and have high fluid resistance.”
The Hazel project is not the first time Razer has come out in support of the COVID-19 response. You may remember that the company made titles in early 2020 to transform production units to make medical masks and then donate them. The Hazel project seems to be the next step in Razer’s efforts, although, as a conceptual design, it is not clear at this time whether it will reach the market or simply inform the company’s other efforts along the way.
The new Razer smart mask is designed for comfort, with a discreet, airtight and padded seal to ensure adequate protection against harmful airborne particles. Accompanied by a charger with UV light box that sanitizes the mask at the end of each day. # CES2021 https://t.co/1xlSPfHfql pic.twitter.com/wsJMSSklxQ
– R Λ Z Ξ R (@Razer) January 13, 2021
“Razer recognizes the uncertainty on the road ahead, and so it was our duty to protect our community members and prepare them for invisible threats,” said Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer, as part of the Hazel project’s disclosure. “The Project Hazel smart mask concept is designed to be functional, yet comfortable and useful for interacting with the world, while maintaining a sociable aesthetic.”
For more details on Project Hazel, including other design tips and photos that carry it, you can check out Razer’s official design concept page. You can also check out all of our previous Razer coverage right here.
How do you like Razer’s Project Hazel? Is this the kind of thing you might see yourself wearing? Tell us in the comments or feel free to contact us and hit me directly on Twitter at @rollinbishop let’s talk about all the games!
[H/T GameSpot]
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