Jake Dyson has unveiled Dyson Zone, an air-purifying set of headphones.
This is Dyson’s first step into wearable technology and wearing it makes you look like you are auditioning for Daft Punk.
IrishMirror.ie tested this new kit out briefly last month at Dyson HQ in London and was somewhat stunned when it was unveiled. But we can report that it does exactly what it says on the tin, quietly and efficiently.
Dyson Zone is a set of noise cancelling, high fidelity over-ear headphones which simultaneously deliver immersive sound to the ears along with a purified airflow to the nose and mouth.
The product received more than a decade of air quality research and development and the company ditched hundreds of prototypes before settling on a model it was happy with.
The company hopes that the air purifying headphones will simultaneously tackle the urban issues of air quality and noise pollution.
However, in order for Dyson Zone to be a success, a significant number of consumers are going to have to be comfortable with the fact that they will look like a robot while walking down the street.
The thinking behind the tech is well intentioned.
As the world’s urban population continues to grow, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that nine in every 10 people globally breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline pollutant limits.
Where pollution in cities decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic, levels have quickly returned to normal, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels across many global cities.
In January 2022, people living in London were advised not to exercise outdoors due to high levels of pollution. It is estimated that more than 100m people, around 20 per cent of the European population, are exposed to long-term noise exposure above WHO guidance.
Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer said: “Air pollution is a global problem – it affects us everywhere we go. In our homes, at school, at work and as we travel, whether on foot, on a bike or by public or private transport.
“The Dyson Zone purifies the air you breathe on the move. And unlike face masks, it delivers a plume of fresh air without touching your face, using high-performance filters and two miniaturised air pumps. After six years in development, we’re excited to deliver pure air and pure audio, anywhere.”
Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones will be available online and in-store in the autumn.
