As coronavirus continues to dictate terms, face mask has become something of an essential. Initially, born?out of necessity to protect oneself and people around us, it’s now also become a fashion statement.???
And, given its intrinsic importance in managing the current health crisis, face mask is going to remain a priority for all of us, at least for the entire 2021.?
Additionally,?this crisis?begot opportunities too.? It has provided brands a chance to come up with creative solutions and alternatives to a typical regular mask. And the brands have not missed out on this opportunity, as they have answered the clarion call.?
Many labels have begun making masks with touch of quirky elements and ideas. And there are some who are pushing the envelope by ideating and, possibly, making high-tech face masks.?
For example, American rapper William Adams, who goes by the stage name will.i.am, is collaborating with?Honeywell, a company that's well-versed in personal protective equipment and?air purifiers, in developing a next-gen face mask.?
Also read:?What A Face Mask Looks Like Under An Electron Microscope
Known as Xupermask (pronounced "super mask"), it?has LED lights and noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds that magnetically dock on the mask when not in use. The mask also has dual 3-speed fans for ventilation and replaceable HEPA filters that can be swapped out every 30 days.?
The mask boasts up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge. Replaceable filters for the Xupermask will be available in a 3-pack for $27.99 (Rs 2000).??
The $299 (Rs 22,000) face mask, which is being launched in two versions, is aimed to reshape how we interact with one another when wearing a mask and how the mask interacts with the wearer.?
Also read:?Some Face Masks Have Toxic Chemicals That Can Harm Us, Scientists Find
Will.i.am, in an interview to USA Today, said his original plan was to make a couple of hundred Xupermasks for his close friends before connecting with Honeywell to produce more broadly.??
The musician, who is known for investing in tech companies, said that he focuses on the potential solution a product might provide.? "I’ve been early and was the early bird on some things, and was the first mouse and was caught in the mouse trap on some things," he said. "But every single one of them that I’ve invested in – does it solve a problem?"??
Even?after getting the coronavirus vaccine, you still need to wear a mask in public. And there's no shortage of high-tech face masks ready to hit the market to help make you look a bit more cooler.?
Also read:?We Can Make People Follow Pandemic Restrictions Without Fear: Here's How