Canon Japan has unveiled the MD-100-GY Privacy Talk mask to mute speech. Users can talk with others online using the built-in microphone and earphones while the mask prevents bystanders from being disturbed by silencing voices.
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.