BEIJING: Chinese tech company Huami is working on a face mask that will allow mobile users to unlock their phones while wearing a face mask due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Huami, best known for its Amazfit wearable devices, is working on a transparent N95-like face mask that can also clean itself.
Face masks have become an important part of daily routine. So far, shortages of N95 and surgical masks, both reserved for health care workers, have meant people are relying on cloth masks. However, these types of masks make it impossible to unlock a phone with facial recognition.
Huami’s ‘Aeri mask’ will have removable air filters properties and built-in ultraviolet light emitters. By plugging the mask into a USB-C plug for a few minutes, it can disinfect itself after every use.
According to a Huami spokesperson, this would allow each filter to be effective for one and a half months, that’s much longer than the current eight hours N95 masks are good for.
The Aeri mask will be made with transparent anti-fog material so that enough of your facial features would be visible to unlock your phone using facial recognition technology like Face ID.
The company is currently making prototypes of its Aeri masks but said it will likely take anywhere from six months to a year to bring it to market. The company is aiming to make it an affordable product for consumers.
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