Xupermask, here is the high-tech mask made by Honeywell in collaboration with the musician Will.i.am

A device not for everyone due to the high price but able to amaze thanks to some futuristic and functional technologies.

The musician Will.i.am and the tech giant Honeywell have developed a futuristic face mask HEPA with active noise canceling headphones (ANC) integrated. Developed in tandem with Jose Fernandez, a Hollywood costume designer, Xupermask packs a little more tech than the faceplate Razer unveiled at CES earlier this year.

In safety but with style

The Xupermask has a strong visual element, which is not surprising given the promotional slogan “Style without compromising safety“. It is available in two color variants, black / orange and white / gray / orange, both equipped with a on the front LED ring that is very reminiscent of the Cyberpunk 2077 aesthetic.

The silicone face seal is vented using a system similar to LG's wearable air purifier. Both masks use dual 3-speed fans with high-efficiency particulate filters (HEPA), although it's unclear whether the Xupermask detects breathing rate to adjust fan speed like the LG model. However, it guarantees similar battery life - up to 7 hours of use on a single charge.

A mask for audiophiles?

Xupermask moves away from similar products in that it features the custom ANC earbuds, which magnetically clip onto the bezel and come with a microphone and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The earphones in question should be quite performing.

It remains to be seen whether the integrated microphone will do better than other earphones in picking up a "muffled" voice due to the mask. The microphone is placed inside the silicone seal, so it should be good overall, although there is no information as to whether or not the fan noise is mitigated. The facepiece comes in a carrying case, although there is no mention of UV sterilization, something that Razer and LG masks declare as basic features.

Xupermask will be available on the official website starting fromApril 8 2021 at the price of $ 299. At the time of writing, the official website is still inactive, but you can follow the launch of the device on the official Xupermask Instagram page.

Trendy to return to the "new" normal

It may seem like a bold move to throw a face mask in the middle of the worldwide vaccination program, but Will.i.am is known for creating hype behind its products.

The concept of a face mask will be difficult to remove from people's minds. Some areas still need time to return to a semblance of normalcy and many wonder if they will ever really let go of the mask; perhaps Xupermask is the trendy and above all functional item we have all been waiting for.