Update: Razer has confirmed that its RGB face mask isn't just a concept.
When the gaming tech manufacturer first unveiled its super-advanced face mask with RGB lighting at CES 2021, we were hesitant to believe it would actually be manufactured and sold. But now the company has confirmed in no uncertain terms that, yes, you will be able to buy what Razer calls the "world's smartest face mask" eventually.
In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan explained that when the mask was first revealed, there wasn't a concrete plan to actually make it a reality. Vaccines had yet to begin rolling out at the scale we're seeing now, and the company was waiting to assess whether its fancy N95 medical-grade light-up face mask would ultimately be rendered redundant.
"We were thinking, this is a concept project and is this going to be relevant when vaccinations and everything has been rolled out. I think moving forward we decided — and I can tell you now — we are going to proceed in making it a reality and ship the smart mask," Tan said.
We still don't know when Razer's high-tech face mask will launch or how much it'll cost, but we do have Tan's assurance that it'll be available one day.
"We've realised that even with vaccinations we are hearing you still have to be masked up because there is still the risk factor that even if you're vaccinated you still need to be incredibly careful," Tan continued. "Secondly, there are also many countries that are unlikely that are going to get the whole [scale] of vaccinations in the next year or even two so travelling everyone should be very careful.
"So with that in mind, we are going to go ahead and solve the sustainable aspect of the mask which is one of the big things for us. Project Hazel is going to be a reality. We are going to make it happen and I think we will all be, unfortunately, wearing masks for a long time to come."
The gaming tech manufacturer describes it as the "world's smartest face mask," and was revealed today by the manufacturer during CES 2021. The mask sports an N95 medical-grade respirator, using detachable and active ventilators plus Smart Pods which regulate the airflow through to the user wearing the mask. Additionally, the Smart Pods filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.
Project Hazel masks also take advantage of Razer's brand new VoiceAmp Technology (it's so new that the patent is still pending). This actually uses a built-in microphone to enhance your voice to those nearby, meaning you can maintain a socially-distanced conversation while out and about. Don't worry about the microphone losing its charge too quickly though, because it can be charged within its own wireless box. Oh, and it also comes with RGB lighting, because of course it does.
As you might have guessed, Project Hazel isn't available for purchase right now. The smart mask concept, in general, is still undergoing "rigorous testing" by Razer, which hopes that it can be the driving force behind the company's commitment public health and safety.
For a list of the things we're hoping will be there during the showcase this year, you can check out our page on the 5 CES 2021 announcements we're hoping to see.
