As society emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, Will.i.am bet that people will continue to use protective equipment, such as facials.
The rapper and entrepreneur announced on Tuesday that he has teamed up with Honeywell to bring two versions of a high-tech mask called Xupermask. The mask combines protection, design and usability in a single product, according to Will.i.am.
The founding member of the Black Eyed Peas suggested that the masks, which will go on sale on Wednesday, would be valuable to consumers, as would a pair of Air Jordan shoes for shoes.
“We’ve long looked at shoes as protective equipment, but they’re just cultural items we buy,” Will.i.am told CNBC’s Jim Cramer in a “Crazy Money” interview. “The mask should have the same kind of attention to detail, love and care if you do not compromise the aesthetics to keep you and other people safe.”
The mask also aims to make breathing easier through a cover. This is where John Waldron and his Honeywell team step in to provide HEPA filters. Waldron is CEO of security and productivity solutions company Honeywell.
“This particular Xupermask has a very unique patented filter design, which we are very proud to bring, you know, top filtering, without sacrificing usability or fashion,” he said. “I think we tried to mix the best of both worlds.”
will.i.am launches the concept of innovative face technology, XUPERMASK
Source: Honeywell
Xupermask sells for $ 299, and Will.i.am claims that the value lies in the features and models of the protection technology. It is built-in with features such as LED lights, 3-stage fans and noise-canceling headphones, which seeks to solve a list of complaints that make face coverage inconvenient for many people.
Will.i.am described the masks as having a “futuristic SF movie”, brought by designer Jose Fernandez, the creative artist Ironhead Studio behind the mask designs for Spiderman, Black Panther and Tron.
“I think people will continue to wear masks [if] masks like Xupermask have other features, I think you will [be] giving people an option, “Will.i.am.