Dyson has unveiled a pair of noise canceling headphones that feature a built-in air purifier designed to protect the user from air pollution. Dyson is best known for its various high-tech vacuum and air filtration devices, and the unveiling of the Dyson Belt marks the company’s first intrusion into the world of audio. On the audio side, the headset has three active noise canceling modes: ‘Isolation’, ‘Conversation’ and ‘Transparency’. Isolation is the form of higher-level noise cancellation followed by Chat, which allows the user to hear people talking around them by amplifying their voice. Finally, Transparency transmits ambient sound directly through Dyson Zone’s built-in microphones. The built-in filter has a potassium-enriched carbon filter that uses electrostatic filtration to purify the air for “Low”, “Medium”, “High” and “Automatic” functions. Each function focuses on a specific breathing pattern. For example, if you work out or do some physical activity, you’ll probably want the Belt filter section to be set to a high position to make it easier for you to breathe. Dyson points out that the device, which looks slightly dystopian, was not designed with COVID-19 in mind and that it began developing about six years ago, long before the onset of the ongoing pandemic. The company says its engineers have experimented with more than 500 different prototypes. Jake Dyson, Dyson’s chief engineer wearing the Dyson Belt. “Air pollution is a global problem – it affects us wherever we go. At home, at school, at work and as we travel, either on foot, by bicycle or by public or private transport. “The Dyson Belt clears the air you breathe on the go,” Dyson chief engineer Jake Dyson said in a recent press release. “And unlike face masks, it offers a plume of fresh air without touching your face.” Dyson says the Zone will be released next fall, but it is not yet clear how much it will cost. Since the various Dyson air purifiers are available for $ 800 in Canada, I would expect the Zone / Air Purifier headphones to cost well over $ 1,000. While the technology that powers the Dyson Zone is unquestionably good, it is unlikely that many people will be willing to wear a device like this in public, especially since it is not COVID-specific or a replacement for a KN95 mask. However, it has the potential to allow you to live your dystopian dreams of Cyberpunk 2077 in real life. Image credit: Dyson
