Razer's Project Hazel was designed to produce a reusable mask to protect users from Covid-19. The prototype was unveiled at CES in early 2021 to great acclaim, and Razer told Yahoo News that it now plans to put the device into production and is inviting interested potential buyers to register on its website and be notified when it launches.
Razer's final product will include a replaceable ventilator with a built-in battery to maintain airflow. It will also include a charging case with replaceable filters and a UV light to kill bacteria and viruses on the mask.
Also worth mentioning is the audio transmission aspect of the mask. The front is transparent and can read your lips. It also has a microphone and speakers on board to hear what you are saying. This is great because wearing a mask can significantly reduce your ability to be heard.
Having a clear front panel also helps in communicating intentions. It is difficult to judge what someone is saying if you can't see their face, and this mask goes a long way to alleviating that problem.
For those who wear glasses, such a mask would be a great improvement. The frustration of trying to read a packet of food at the store while your glasses are fogged up is something many people experience.
So far, what is a little unclear from the specifications of Razer's Project Hazel is how much protection the mask will provide to others. Breathable N95 masks do not prevent the spread of viral particles and are considerably less effective than mere cloth masks in terms of preventing infection. However, Razer claims that its ventilation is filtered, which may mean that it is capable of blocking particles as well as any surgical-grade mask.
Currently, the price of Razer's Project Hazel has not been disclosed, but is expected to be at a premium. Still, if wearing a mask is going to be a part of life in the future, some people may prefer to spend a few dollars to get something that is actually comfortable, practical, and well-designed.
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