Canon Japan launches Privacy Talk MD-100-GY mask to mute online conversations in open spaces
Canon Japan has unveiled the MD-100-GY Privacy Talk mask to prevent bystanders from being disturbed by online conversations. The mask includes sound absorbing material, a microphone, earphones, and a fan.
Working and attending school from home, the coffee shop, and open office spaces are popular nowadays. Unfortunately, online conversations can be spied upon by bystanders while annoying them in these environments.
Rather than trying to find a private space, the Privacy Talk mask creates a private space in any open space. Specially selected acoustic metamaterial along with the maze-like sound-guide absorbs speech before it passes beyond the mask. The result is a 20 dB reduction in speech, a difference similar to the sound level difference between a normal conversation and a quiet office.
The sound deadening also means the built-in microphone picks up only the user’s voice rather than surrounding speech. A built-in ventilation fan helps keep the wearer cool while a nearby microphone cancels out the fan noise to prevent it from interfering with the conversation.
Privacy Talk connects to computers and smartphones using a USB-C cable or over Bluetooth 5.2 for 3 hours when the fan is on. Recharging takes 1.5 hours. The mask weighs 3.7 ounces (106 grams) and measures 2.6 x 4.1 x 2.7 inches (66 x 104 x 69 mm).
The Privacy Talk mask will be released at the end of April 2024 with a price of approximately $157 (23,650 yen). While waiting, why not pick up some wipes to clean your dirty electronics with (like this at Amazon).
Source(s)
Machine translated by DeepL
Wearable Sound-Decreasing Device Supports Online Communication
Privacy Talk MD-100-GY to Support Online Communication
February 13, 2024
Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
PDF Download (PDF format / 1.41Mbytes)
(President and CEO: Masachika Adachi; hereafter "Canon MJ") announces the release of "Privacy Talk MD-100-GY" (hereafter "Privacy Talk"), a wearable sound reduction device that enables comfortable online communication in a variety of locations and environments. GY ("Privacy Talk"), a wearable sound-reducing device that enables comfortable online communication in a variety of locations and environments, will be available from late April 2024.
Privacy Talk MD-100-GY
Assumed Usage Scenes
With the recent expansion of work styles and lifestyles in the new normal era, it has become possible to conduct online communication, such as online meetings, in various locations and environments. At the same time, however, people need to be aware of their surroundings when speaking out, and there are increasing concerns about ensuring a safe environment for communication.
Canon MJ's ichikara Lab, an in-house start-up company, has planned "Privacy Talk" based on the ideas that emerged from discussions with young people about online communication, aiming to realize an environment that allows online communication to be more free and comfortable. Privacy Talk" is a program that aims to create an environment in which online communication can be more free and comfortable.
Privacy Talk" is a wearable sound-reducing device equipped with earphones, a microphone, and a fan. When worn, the device reduces the sound of one's voice to reduce ambient noise, and the ventilation fan ensures good airflow. The device has a stylish design that can be worn in a wide range of settings, such as offices and cafes, and supports comfortable online communication in a variety of places and environments. The total amount of support purchases for the "Makuake" project in October 2023 exceeded 10 million yen. (Headquarters: Tokyo, President: Naoto Yoshida, hereafter "Nikkei BP"), and was selected as No. 6 in the "Nikkei Trendy Top 30 Hit Predictions for 2024.
ichikara Lab is currently conducting demonstration tests in public transportation, offices, and coworking spaces, which are considered to be particularly vulnerable to the problems associated with smooth and comfortable online communication.
ichikara Lab will continue to create products and services while listening to the voices of its customers, and aims to provide new value to society.
Main Features
Reduces the sound of one's own voice and ambient noise
The sound is reduced by about 20 decibels*1 as the voice passes through a labyrinth-like structure employing acoustic metamaterial technology, making it difficult for the speaker's voice to be heard by those around him or her. At the same time, ambient noise is also less likely to enter the microphone, enabling stress-free communication for those with whom one is conversing online.
Ventilation fan ensures airflow
The built-in ventilation fan promotes air circulation inside the device, preventing moisture from accumulating and making the device comfortable to wear. The built-in ventilation fan promotes air circulation inside the unit, preventing moisture from accumulating and making it more comfortable to wear. The built-in double microphone captures both the sound of the fan and the voice of the user, and by canceling out the noise of the fan, it delivers a clear voice to the person you are talking to online.
Simple startup and stylish design
Press and hold the button on the main unit for 3 seconds to turn on the power and automatically connect to a PC or smartphone via Bluetooth*2 for immediate use. The stylish design allows the device to be used in a wide range of situations, both in business and in private life.
1 Based on our measurement conditions; measured sound reduction effect in the range of human voice (1,000 Hz to 4,000 Hz) when wearing Privacy Talk.
2 Connection setting is required for the first time.
Price and Scheduled Release Date
Product name
Privacy Talk MD-100-GY
Suggested Retail Price
Open price
Release date
Late April, 2024
