MaskFone integrates earbuds and mic into N95 mask — no more muffled phone calls

(Epitome credit: Maskfone)

Smart pandemic gear is all the rage at CES 2021, like the MaskFone, which combines a filtered mask with a Bluetooth headset. If you're guilty of making muffled phone calls, this is the 2-in-ane product for y'all.

Binatone's MaskFone features Bluetooth wireless earbuds and microphone, congenital into a mask with pockets for disposable PM2.5 or medical-class N95 filters. At CES 2021, the company also unveiled the upcoming MegaFone, which is equipped with a detachable phonation projector and "walkie talkie" manner.

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The MaskFone was born of the pandemic and is still relevant during the slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

"In the United States, I think that masks are definitely going to be commonplace for the kickoff half of the year," said Marty Urick, a vice president at Binatone, told Tom's Guide. "If I'm going to on an airplane or subway anytime in the adjacent year or two, I'm probably going to throw this on."

He added, "Nosotros recall there'll exist a connected demand for the adjacent several years."

Which is why the company is developing the MegaFone, which could be a keen option for anyone frustrated by not speaking clearly through a mask. It comes with a detachable phonation projector and mesh network capabilities, and so you tin pair to other MegaFones and utilize them as walkie-talkies.

The MaskFone'southward earbuds offering 12 hours of battery life, an IPX5 water-resistant rating and background dissonance isolation. The mask itself has adjustable ear loops and nose piece; on the exterior, unobtrusive buttons control volume and play/pause. The product is sold with three N95 filters or PM2.5 filters, which are replaceable.

The mask comes in two sizes (pocket-sized/medium and medium/large) and only in black, for now. Urick said other colors may be coming shortly and that the visitor is in talks with airlines to potentially produce the MaskFone in their palettes.

The MaskFone retails starting at $49.99 and can be purchased at present at maskfone.com or past the finish of January on Amazon, Target.com and in select Target stores.

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Kelly is a senior writer covering streaming media for Tom'south Guide, so basically, she watches TV for a living. Previously, she was a freelance amusement writer for Yahoo, Vulture, Television Guide and other outlets. When she'southward not watching TV and movies for work, she's watching them for fun, seeing live music, writing songs, knitting and gardening.