Xiaomi puts "Smart Mask" face mask into development

Tech companies have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including donating equipment and even redesigning logos to promote social distancing. While others have made premium services free to use or have imposed order limits because of increased demand, Xiaomi appears to looking to the future.

The company already sells a face mask in China called the Mi AirPOP PM2.5 in China, and now it has started developing a more-advanced version that it calls the Smart Mask. Spotted in a patent filing by MyDrivers and republished by 91Mobiles, the Smart Mask is more than your average face mask, as its name suggests.

According to both websites, the Smart Mask can record air quality information thanks to various sensors and electronics. Additionally, it can inform wearers of possible changes in lung capacity. While this may prove useful in areas of poor air quality, there is no indication that the Smart Mask could detect COVID-19 or any equivalent viruses. Equally, while Xiaomi may be developing such a product, it may never bring the Smart Mask to market.