The terror of the COVID-19 continues worldwide. It’s been more than a year of the coronavirus pandemic and we have 94,963,847 confirmed cases globally with 2,050,857 deaths (as of writing this). Most of the worldwide tech companies have jumped in to fight against the virus. A high-tech wearable like a face mask is one product eyed by everyone. One of the most alluring products seen at the CES 2021 virtual event was the Razer Project Hazel: The world’s smartest mask.
Razer Project Hazel: The world’s smartest mask
Razer made an interesting revel on CES 2021, Project Hazel. It’s a reusable N95-grade respirator. At first glance, you may feel you have seen something like this before. The Razer Project Hazel resembles Huami Amafit Aeri Mask. But there are certain factors different among these two face masks.
Talking about the safety of Razer Project Hazel it is an N95-grade respirator with rechargeable and detachable active mini ventilators and smart pods. The high Bacteria Filtration Efficiency (BFF) smart pods are placed to regulate airflow for optimal breathability. It’s capable of filtering 95% of airborne particles with high fluid resistance. Silicone liner guard is placed for better airflow and adjustable ear loops to ease the pressure off one’s ear by providing the best fit.
In a statement to the verge, Razer officials said ‘the ventilators’ longevity is still being tested, and when the filters need to be changed, Razer envisions users being notified via a mobile companion app’.
By the picture, you can tell that it has an appealing clear, and transparent design. The focus of the crystal clear design is to aid in social communication especially for those relying on facial cues, other words hard hearing to lid-read. There are interior lights that light up automatically in the dark. The modern RBG LEDs are one of the highlights of this mask. After all, it’s a Razer product. Each respirator has an amplifier ring and is customizable with 16.8 million colors and effects.
As the officials stated, Razer is working on patenting ‘Razer Voiceamp Technology’. This will prevent the tight seal of the mask from muffling users’ voices and give crystal clear audio output. To do so it uses a built-in mic and amplifier. There will be a large charging case as well. It will not only charge but sterilize the mask with UV light as well. Although this is still in concept state.
Razer Project Hazel Availability
‘Razer acknowledges the uncertainty in the road ahead, and so it was our duty to help protect our community members and prepare them from invisible threats. The project hazel smart mask concept is intended to be functional, yet comfortable and useful for interacting with the world while maintaining a sociable aesthetic’, Min-Liang tan, co-founder and CEO of razer stated.
Razer is working with a team of medical experts and scientists to develop this mask. But we are not sure whether this will hit the market or not. Razer has disclosed neither the price nor its availability. But in the end, it all depends on the great giants-Social Media. Once the large production begins then Razer may apply for the necessary approvals and certifications from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
We are certain about one thing: this mask isn’t for everyone. The price is a concerning factor for the majority of the people. But it is interesting to see what the tech can do in times of need.
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