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Programmer Creates Face Mask With LED Mouth That Moves When You Speak

Battery-operated and portable face mask


LEDMask cover
Images adapted from: Medium and
@TylerGlaiel

Despite warnings, some people still cannot warm up to the idea of wearing face masks due to a variety of reasons. For one, wearing a mask can make it difficult to understand someone, especially if you’re hard of hearing.

On 29th May, a programmer recently posted a video on his Twitter showing one of the flashiest face mask ideas. That is, his mask has an LED “mouth” that moves depending on your voice.


He made the mask as a novelty


LEDMask O mouth
Image credit: @TylerGlaiel

American programmer and indie game designer Tyler Glaiel recently tweeted a mask he worked on for a month for himself.

The mask uses a coded chip to voice-activate the LEDs when speaking. It picks up speech and the LEDs form shapes depending on the vowel it hears.

It’s almost like a more expensive version of the deaf-friendly face mask.

deaf face mask
Image credit: Bangkok Post

LEDMask Wrench tweet
Source: @CSnakeSchulz

Netizens are already making comparisons between Glaiel’s gadget and Wrench, a character from the video game Watch_Dogs 2, whose trademark is a mask with expressive LED eyes.

LEDMask Wrench gif
Source: @aliceksweeet


The mask is not that practical for everyday use


Glaiel makes no guarantee that his mask will protect you from viruses. Also, he does not plan to sell his invention but did leave instructions for DIY projects at home.

It costs about £40 (around ฿1,590) to make one, according to BBC journalist Chris Fox.

You can try making one yourself here.


Time well spent


With time on people’s hands during lockdown, there’s bound to be creative DIY crafts popping up here and there.

If you find yourself bored during stay-at-home, make something from your imagination to avoid falling into a mundane routine.

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