Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced two new concept designs for CES 2021; Project Hazel, the world’s smartest and most socially friendly face mask, and Project Brooklyn, a compact, integrated gaming chair for next generation immersion. Concept designs at Razer are explorations of innovation by the Razer design and engineering teams to evaluate feedback from the community and influence Razer’s future product portfolio. Earlier concept designs have either gone to market or elements of which have been included in shipping products.
The smart mask intends to help improve the convenience of daily wear while overcoming common social interaction challenges, while the new transformable gaming chair brings full-scale immersion from its haptics, graphics and lighting in a flexible form factor. For an exclusive preview of these concepts, Razer invites all CES 2021 attendees and the global gaming community to join the RazerStore Live event on January 12th at 10 a.m. PST, simulcast on Razer’s YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels. For more details on the Project Hazel and Project Brooklyn concept designs, please read on.
From the start of the pandemic, Razer has been proactive in the fight against COVID-19, including the conversion of its manufacturing facilities to produce certified medical masks and the donation of 1 million surgical face masks to the healthcare frontline under its Razer Health initiative. A natural progression and evolution of this initiative, the multi-use Project Hazel smart mask from Razer addresses the increased emphasis on hygiene and preparedness for unexpected health risks as well as the environmental issues of disposable masks, while enhancing the features of a multi-use personal protective covering.
Further preparing consumers for the new normal in the road ahead, the mask concept design innovates with N95 medical-grade respirator protection using detachable and rechargeable active ventilators and Smart Pods that regulate airflow for optimal breathability. Its high bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) Smart Pods filter at least 95% of airborne particles and have a high fluid resistance.
For improved social interaction, Project Hazel has a clear, transparent design so those around you can view facial cues such as a smile or laugh and allow the hard of hearing to lip read what the wearer is saying. Interior lights activate automatically in the dark, allowing wearers to express themselves clearly regardless of the lighting conditions.
In addition, because masks can also muffle voices, a new Razer VoiceAmp Technology (patent pending) uses a built-in microphone and amplifier to enhance the user’s speech for clear communication while staying safe in social situations.
To reduce the waste created by disposable masks, the Project Hazel smart mask uses replaceable and rechargeable disc-type ventilators that can be conveniently sanitized of bacteria and viruses by placing it inside its dual-purpose wireless fast charging box with disinfecting UV-light interior. Lighting indicators show charge levels, and long-lasting battery life from a full charge easily enables all-day mask use. The waterproof, scratch-resistant mask is as tough as it is sustainable—made of recyclable plastic to greatly minimize the waste created by disposable masks.
The silicon-lined smart mask delivers comfort with active air cooling and regulation, bringing in fresh air and venting out CO2. The result is an air-tight seal from its adjustable ear loops, permitting custom sizes for a secure fit that keeps from obstructing the mouth. For extra user entertainment and style, wearers can activate two customizable Razer Chroma RGB lighting zones offering 16.8 million colors and a suite of dynamic lighting effects.
The smart mask concept will continue be optimized through rigorous testing and user feedback to ensure safety compliance and maximum comfort and usability. Design improvements will also be ongoing to support the evolving user needs and to deliver value without compromising functionality and performance. Project Hazel will be foundational to Razer’s ongoing support and commitment to public health and safety within the community.
“Razer acknowledges the uncertainty in the road ahead, and so it was our duty to help protect our community members and prepare them from invisible threats,” said Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer. “The Project Hazel smart mask concept is intended to be functional, yet comfortable and useful for interacting with the world, while maintaining a sociable aesthetic.”
For more information on Razer’s Project Hazel, please see here.
