'No April fool's joke': Dyson unveils air-purifying headphones - New York Daily News

2022-04-21 09:06:18 By : Ms. Leah Li

Dyson, the British tech company best known for its fancy-looking vacuum cleaners, futuristic bladeless fans and hi-tech hair dryers, is hoping to breathe new life into the personal audio market.

On Wednesday, the James Dyson-founded company announced its soon-to-be-launched wearable product: Dyson Zone, air-purifying headphones that come with a “contact-free visor to supply a continuous stream of purified air to your nose and mouth. So, you can breathe cleaner air, anywhere.”

The noise-canceling headphones come with a cyborg-looking mask that goes across the user’s nose and mouth, and it’s designed to keep both noise and air pollution away.

According to the company, the final design comes as a result of 30 years of air filtration expertise, as well as 500 prototypes.

“The Dyson Zone purifies the air you breathe on the move,” Jake Dyson, the product’s chief engineer, said in a press release.

“And unlike face masks, it delivers a plume of fresh air without touching your face, using high-performance filters and two miniaturized air pumps. After six years in development, we’re excited to deliver pure air and pure audio, anywhere,” he added.

Social media users didn’t seem quite as enthusiastic, with many tweets wondering if the company was playing a seasonal prank.

“Dyson’s April fools joke dropped early. Bad luck folks. It was hilarious, the idea of strapping a fan to your face to spray your virus particles much further than you can breathe them on your own,” wrote user Martin Kelly.

“I am loving Dyson’s contribution to #AprilFoolsDay — the Dyson headphone air purifier,” added Michael Gbadebo. “Will the UV purifier glasses be optional?”

“Well played Mr Dyson it’s only the 30th [of] march. Going off early. Does Dyson have a product for that #AprilFoolsDay,” asked user Stuart Hawking.

“Ha ha no April Fools joke here,” Dyson responded, adding a happy-face emoji.

Dyson Zone is expected to hit the stores in the fall, though no official date has been announced. It’s expected to cost between 500 and 1,000 pounds ($660 to $1320), according to The Guardian.