Binatone's MaskFone combines an N95 mask with a Bluetooth headset

Binatone says the MaskFone has background noise isolation, which should help when you’re outdoors. It certainly beats taking out your phone and touching it to your mask or face and contaminating it.

Binatone unveiled their MaskFone at CES 2021, which is essentially a washable fabric mask with a standard N95 filter but also doubles as a wireless headset. (Binatone)

If you had asked us last January what category of technology we would see the most innovation in at CES 2021 this year, we would never have guessed mask technology would have advanced this far. Companies have scrambled to build their tech around face coverings and Binatone's latest offering is no exception.

Binatone unveiled their MaskFone at CES 2021, which is essentially a washable fabric mask with a standard N95 filter but also doubles as a wireless headset. The company is probably aiming the device at people who have to take calls on-the-go, which should benefit frontline and essential service workers.

The MaskFone uses the ear loops of the mask to house the earpiece and the wiring is self-contained. The company says it is IPX5 certified, so you can definitely wear it in a bit of rain and for light workouts - bear in mind that experts advise against exercising with regular masks on. While you won't be able to wash the entire mask, you can disconnect the earbuds and the filter to clean the mask fabric so it isn't very grimy after repeated use.

With around 12 hours of battery life, the MaskFone should last long enough for anyone stepping out for work or a trip to the grocery store. Binatone's website says the headset has background noise isolation, which should help when you're outdoors. It certainly beats taking out your phone and touching it to your mask (or face) and contaminating it. The device will retail at $50 and comes in two sizes - S/M and M/L. It also supports voice assistants including Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.