Face masks will be an immutable part of our foreseeable future, so it’s no surprise that manufacturers are rolling out new and innovative designs to make them more comfortable and more effective.They have even shown up at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, which featured four high-tech masks.
MaskFone
The UK telecom company Binafone has combined a bluetooth headset (and built-in microphone) with a facemask. This will solve the problem of pulling down the mask to talk on the phone. Its website lists its price at $49.99.
AirPop Active+ Halo
The new Active+ is a “smart” device, with a connected app and the titular Halo sensors that monitor breathing patterns, filter efficiency and external air quality. For iPhone users, the Active+ offers HealthKit integration so you can track your statistics natively in iOS. It costs $149.99.
LG PuriCare
Marketed as a “wearable air purifier”, the PuriCare has a hard plastic shell with a washable face pad, reminiscent of a hospital respirator, inside to form the seal. The filters come as replaceable cartridges that plug into slots on the side and combined with dual fans for ventilation and to help with breathing. It is available in some Asian markets; the price is about $152.
Project Hazel
Gaming peripheral maker Razer is stepping outside its comfort zone with Project Hazel, an “everything plus the kitchen sink” facemask, still in the concept phase, that
bundles most of the features from the other masks above. The mask’s hard shell is transparent, so no more guessing if someone is grinning or grimacing.
The Covid-19 pandemic is lasting longer than most predicted, and masks are no doubt here to stay, at least for a while to come. Companies like these are continuing to innovate and create better, more comfortable, and more effective designs to make life a little bit easier.
I – Word Understanding
Immutable – unchageable
Titular – having the name / known as
Reminiscent – reminding of (something or someone)
Peripheral – accessory / an equipment that is connected to a computer but is not an essential part of it
II – Have Your Say
1, What kind of mask are you using? What are your preferences ?
a, Comfort
b, Protection
c, Fashion / style
d, cost
2, Let’s take a look at these high tech masks and evaluate their usefulness.
a, MaskFone
b, AirPop Active+ Halo
c, LG PuriCare
d, Project Hazel
