Will.i.am reveals his $299 face mask featuring dual fans, ANC headphones, Bluetooth, and...

midian182

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What just happened? Will.I.am, best known as the frontman for the Black Eyed Peas, has made several pushes into the world of technology—not all of them successful. But the rapper hasn't been put off by a few past failures. His latest project is a tech-packed face mask that features everything from noise-canceling headphones to Bluetooth connectivity. It's also a lot more expensive than most masks: $299.

Created through a partnership with Honeywell, the Xupermask (pronounced "Supermask") features dual three-speed fans and HEPA filters. That's the same setup found on LG's equally Cyberpunk 2077-looking PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier mask.

As Will.I.am was involved in the Xupermask's creation, it has built-in active noise-canceling headphones for enjoying your tunes while looking like a Fallout character. There's also a microphone, Bluetooth 5.0, and a magnetic earbud docking system.

Taking a leaf from Razer's Project Hazel, the Xupermask boasts LED day glow lights, though they're not of the RGB variety, as is the case with the PC accessory maker's product. You also get a 7-hour battery life.

The futuristic look of the Xupermask comes from Jose Fernandez, the Hollywood costume designer who worked on Black Panther, The Avengers, and X-Men 2. He also made the SpaceX suits for Elon Musk.

"XUPERMASK is constructed out of innovative materials, including silicone face seal and secured by an elastic strap for comfort and high performance. Easily adjustable to a variety of face shapes, the powerful accessory has the durability to be worn up to 365 days a year anywhere in the world," states the press kit.

All that tech doesn't come cheap. The Xupermask will cost $299 and be available in white/grey/orange and black/black/orange colors when it launches on April 8. Each one ships with a Xuperkit consisting of a carrying case, 3-month supply of HEPA filters, multi-size ear tips, USB-C charging cable, and a fabric mask.

With the vaccine rollout continuing and more states dropping their masks mandates, is now the best time to launch an expensive mask? In the words of Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan:

"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. 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 traveling everyone should be very careful."

Could you create something better? The US government is paying up to $500,000 for new designs that address some of the problems people have with current masks.

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"This product, which is not for medical use or for use in a high infection risk clinical setting, is not a respiratory protective device, nor a substitute for filtering face piece respirators or for surgical face masks."

All you need to know.
So you're saying that not only is it ugly, expensive and uncomfortable... it also is completely useless?

Please, I'll buy 2!
 
Not talking about this specific mask, but sad to see people think wearing a mask during crisis and need to protect is a conspiracy against freedom. Humans seem to defy logic more nowadays. Sheer stupidity.

Coming back to this mask, it's a waste of money. But that won't stop some people buying it.
 
Which mask will flop the hardest?

Razer's
Xupermask

Cast your votes now.

-disclaimer: this is not an actual poll-
 
Will.I.am is a wannabe techie who hasn't been very successful

While I think this product is a waste of time its going to depend on your version of success the guy is worth 70 Million. Sure this tech products haven't been great but he is basically just throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. Its not like this guy needs a 9-5 job this is all just play for him.
 
Who the heck is William? And why does he want people to waste $300 on a POS? It literally looks like a jockstrap and a cup is on this man's face in the picture. Those are uncomfortable to wear when playing sports, why would I want one on my face?
 
I met him once when I was working at Best Buy. He was pitching a horrible idea. He is surrounded by sycophants and yes men that clap at everything he says. Hence...this mask. I can't even begin to list the problems with this design...the biggest and most glaring is that no one wants this.
 
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