Will.i.am And Honeywell Gun For Razer With High-Tech Xupermask Bluetooth Face Mask
As vaccines for COVID-19 start to roll out, face masks are not withering away, but apparently becoming high-tech. Enter a concept called Xupermask, a $299 face mask conceived by Will.i.am, the lead member of Black Eyed Peas. That's an expensive price tag, sure, but like Will.i.am, who is also a record producer, songwriter, and technology investor, there are multiple layers to Xupermask.
At its core, Xupermask (pronounced super mask) is a face mask with a silicone seal, secured by an adjustable elastic strap for comfort. It also has HEPA filters and dual three-speed fans for enhanced breathability, It makes a fashion statement (as you can see in the image above) while serving to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Like Razer's Project Hazel, however, Xupermask attempts to blend technology in an intelligent and convenient way. LED lights are included, and so is a magnetic docking system for the included wireless earbuds, with active noise cancellation and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity (via Qualcomm's QCC5124 SoC).
A few other high-tech highlights include...
- Integrated noise reduction microphone
- Up to 7 hours battery life on a single charge
- External charting port (mask can be worn while charging)
- Multi-function button controls
Will.i.am told The Hollywood Reporter that he conceived the idea around a year ago when getting ready to fly back home from London. He wanted to develop a mask for people who travel, and that would make it easy to interface with technology. He noted that existing face masks can lead to fogged up glasses, and earbuds falling out when taking them off.
To design the actual mask, Will.i.am turned to Jose Fernandez, who helped with the theatrics during the halftime show at the 2011 Super Bowl. Fernandez also previously collaborated with Will.i.am on a set of Beats headphones several years ago.
Will.i.am also partnered with Honeywell to actually make the face mask and bring it to market. The duo envisions it as being a one-of-a-kind wearable for both now and in the post-pandemic world.
It is certainly unique, that is for sure. The first drop will take place in a couple of days, on April 8, with availability in the US, Canada, UK, and EU. Every mask will come with a carrying case, three months of HEPA filters, multiple sized ear tips, a USB-C charging cable, and a fabric mask.
