This week, at CES 2021, gaming technology maker Razer unveiled a new conceptual design for a “smart mask” with a surgical N95 respirator, RGB lighting and voice amplification technology. The idea behind the smart mask, called Project Hazel, is to improve safety and solve some of the social problems inherent in wearing a face mask as voices turned off, while preventing waste through its reuse.
More specifically, the Project Hazel smart mask is made of waterproof, scratch-resistant recyclable plastic, with an airtight seal that is possible thanks to its adjustable bows. The aforementioned RGB lighting allows for more than 16 million colors and dynamic lightning to highlight the wearer’s mouth, and its charging box also includes a UV disinfectant 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.”
Project Hazel isn’t the first time Razer has been dedicated to supporting the response to COVID-19. Recall that the company reached the headlines in early 2020 to turn the manufacturing facilities into medical masks to give away later. The Hazel Project seems to be the next step in Razer’s efforts, although as a conceptual design, it is not known whether it will hit the market or simply inform the company’s other efforts.
The new Razer smart mask is designed for comfort with a discreet, airtight seal that ensures adequate protection against harmful airborne particles. Accompanied by a UV light box charger 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 of the way forward, and so it was our duty to help protect members of our community and prepare them for invisible threats,” said Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer, as part of Project Hazel’s revelation. “The Project Hazel smart mask concept is designed to be functional, but comfortable and useful for interacting with the world, while maintaining a sociable aesthetic.”
For more information on Project Hazel, including other design news and photographs being taken, you can check out Razer’s official page on conceptual design. You can also check out all of our previous Razer coverage here.
What do you think of the Razer’s Project Hazel mask? Is this the kind of thing you might see yourself wearing? Let us know in the comments or feel free to contact me directly on Twitter at @rollinbishop to talk about all the games!
[H/T GameSpot]
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