Just when we’re starting to see that global warming is at its peak and with Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary ‘Before the Flood’ giving people the goose bumps, Xiaomi’s made itself relevant, by coming with a brand-new pollution avoidant.
The Mi Purely Air Mask will be released under Xiaomi’s Mija brand
Called the Mi Purely Air Mask, it consists of an advanced air filter that is 99% effective against purifying air and removing PM 2.5 particles. The PM2.5 particles are pollutants which are 2.5 microns in size.
The Mi Purely also got an in-built fan. It functions just like an ordinary air mask and latches onto the face with two side straps. It’s made out of polyester for some good light-weight handling.
The N95 air filter and the ultra-thin fan come with their own button for controlling the fan speed for up to three levels. The N95 air filter itself consists of four composite layers of nano-particles for super seamless straining of air matter. The entire cartridge for the air filter is easy to remove whenever the need arises to replace it.
Of course, since it comes with a fan in it, the mask will be required to draw out power from somewhere. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery which can be charged through a micro-USB port. No part of the battery needs to be removed from the mask itself, and can be directly charged through a USB cable or power bank. The battery should last around 4-8 hours according to Xiaomi, so that means charging it every day is a must.
The Chinese manufacturer has made it available through their online crowdfunding portal for $13.5. It’ll also come in two colours – White and Grey. The design is portable and convenient, although the mask doesn’t look anything short of what Bane would use. If we could talk like him while we wear the mask, that would actually be an extra bonus. But yes, unless people want to look like the characters from a Fallout game, the company will have to look at a cleaner and sophisticated approach for a face-wearable. With rising pollution and temperature levels, this is a much-needed accessory for people of the 21st century to carry around.
It’s a sad truth, but it’s a relevant piece of tech we all probably need, for the present and the coming future as well. For those who live in countries like India, it’s a matter of life and death.