Project Hazel, Razer’s newest creation, claims to be the smartest mask in the world – a reusable N95 respirator.
With the concept design of a glossy outside shell made of waterproof and scratch-resistant recycled plastic, the mask allows transparency for lip-reading and seeing facial cues when chatting with people.
The mask’s main features lie within its two circular zones that flank your mouth, which is used for ventilation, giving the device an almost futuristic gas mask look.
Project Hazel will use active disc-type ventilators, filtering air that’s breathed in, as well as the CO2 that’s being exhaled. The ventilators are detachable and rechargeable, though Razer is still hammering out the details on two significant factors: how long they’ll be useful and how Razer will alert the user when it’s time for a new one.
When it gets dark, a set of LEDs activate automatically to shine a light on the wearer’s mouth so others can still see the lips while talking. It’s tough to tell just how effective these LEDs will be in fully illuminating the mouth, but they may be helpful nevertheless.
According to Razer, and the company adds that the mask “will be certified” to filter 95 percent of airborne particles, including the COVID-19 virus with other common pathogens.
Razer may have announced Project hazel to be a surgical N95 mask; however, it has not yet earned the necessary approvals and certifications from the FDA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Razer told The Verge that they are working with a team of medical experts and scientists who help develop the mask.
As of the moment, there is no price or release date announced.