LG's Air Purifying Mask Is Coming Soon & With Some Upgrades

LG has announced some upgrades to the face mask unveiled last year, and the personal air-purifier is already being used by the Thailand Olympic team.

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LG has announced an updated version of its PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier face mask that hosts several upgraded features and a slimmer design. The tech giant unveiled the original mask last year at IFA 2020, selling the mask as revolutionary personal protective equipment. LG put the mask forward as an answer to the dilemma of low-quality homemade masks and the supply shortage of disposables.

Although LG ceased its smartphone production this year, the South Korean tech company continues to push out a number of high-end devices. Reports also suggest the company is possibly working with Apple to produce its long-rumored car. On top of all this, LG wants to assure consumers the company is still dedicated to providing a reasonably high-tech alternative to traditional face masks.

According to LG, the new version of its PuriCare mask sports the same dual fans as the previous model, but the attached motor is now smaller and more efficient. LG claims the new model weighs less than one pound and can be worn for up to eight hours before requiring a recharge. The company reports that charging the 1,000 mAh battery in full takes around two hours with the included USB cable. LG also reports the new model comes with built-in speakers that amplify the wearer’s voice once they start speaking. LG has dubbed the new technology VoiceON.

A Significant Mask Upgrade?

The upgrades since the company first unveiled the mask are significant. If it works as intended, the VoiceON technology will make communicating while wearing a mask easier than the previous model suggests. While LG advertises eight hours of daily usage, the company did not specify how the mask was tested to reach that battery life duration. With the new features being added to this version of the mask, it is probably best for potential buyers to assume it has a 2-8 hour lifespan, like the older model. What has not changed, however, are the packed-in LG DUAL fans that will change airflow by sensing the user’s breathing patterns. LG did not mention if the new mask model uses different filters from the previous version.

The new PuriCare mask will launch in Thailand in August, “with other markets to follow once approved by local regulators.” LG does not specifically say the new mask will protect users from COVID-19, with the virus not even mentioned in the company’s press release. Still, considering the direction high-end face masks seem to be going in, perhaps LG’s mask will satisfy customers looking for a more understated protective mask.