As society emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, Will.i.am bets that people will continue to use protective equipment such as face masks.
The rapper and entrepreneur announced on Tuesday that he has partnered with Honeywell to bring together two versions of a high-tech face mask called the Xupermask. The mask combines protection, design and usability into one product, according to Will.i.am.
The founding member of the Black Eyed Peas suggested that the masks offered for sale on Wednesday would be valuable to consumers, just as some Air Jordan shoes are for sneakers.
“We have long considered shoes as protective equipment, but these are just cultural items we are going to buy,” Will.i.am told CNBC’s Jim Cramer in a ‘Mad Money’ interview. “The mask should have the same kind of attention to detail, love and care as where you do not endanger aesthetics, because you keep yourself and other people safe.”
The mask also aims to facilitate breathing through a cover. This is where John Waldron and his team come in at Honeywell to supply HEPA filters. Waldron is CEO of Honeywell’s security and productivity solutions company.
“This particular Xupermask has a very unique patented filter design, which we are very proud of, you know, filters from the top shelves without compromising usability or fashion,” he said. “I think we tried to mix the best of both worlds.”
will.i.am Debuts Innovative Face Technology Concept, XUPERMASK
Source: Honeywell
The Xupermask sells for $ 299, and Will.i.am argues the value is in the functionality and fashionability of the protective technology. It is embedded with features like LED lights, three-way fans and noise-canceling headphones that want to resolve a list of complaints that make face covering uncomfortable for many people.
Will.i.am described the masks as a “futuristic sci-fi movie” inspiration, brought to you by designer Jose Fernandez, the creative artist Ironhead Studio behind mask designs for Spiderman, Black Panther and Tron.
‘I think people will continue to wear masks and [if] masks like the Xupermask have other features, I think you go [be] giving people an option, ‘Will.i.am said.