Skyted’s Sound-Absorbing Mask Targets Gamers and Privacy
At CES 2024, the startup Skyted unveiled a unique wearable device designed to fundamentally change how we communicate in public or crowded spaces: a voice-capturing mask that promises to keep conversations private. While the aesthetic draws immediate comparisons to fictional villains, the technology aims to solve the problem of audio leakage in open environments.
Understanding the “Sound Bubble”
The core functionality of the Skyted mask relies on a mobile application that monitors the user’s “sound bubble.” Gauthier Daridon, a connectivity engineer at the company, explained that the app informs users how far their voice travels and whether they are currently “perceptible” or “intelligible” to those nearby. This feature is intended for environments like airplanes, where a user might want to hold a call without disturbing or being overheard by neighbors.
During demonstrations on the noisy CES show floor, the mask proved effective at dampening sound. While a faint mumble was audible from three feet away, individual words were impossible to distinguish without specialized equipment. Once the user stepped a few feet further, the sound effectively vanished into the background noise.
Market Strategy and Funding
Founded in 2021, Skyted currently employs approximately 20 people. The company has secured $1 million in funding, split between private angel investors and support from the French government. Following the CES showcase, the firm has moved to validate its commercial viability through a Kickstarter campaign, which has already generated roughly $64,000 in pledges for nearly 300 units.
Potential Use Cases
The company is targeting several distinct sectors as it looks to scale production:
- Corporate and Office: Aimed at open-plan offices and busy call centers where privacy is a constant challenge.
- Gaming: Providing a way for gamers to communicate without disturbing roommates or family members.
- Military and Special Forces: A niche application where tactical silence is required during operations where vocal communication must remain undetected.
As Skyted prepares to ship its first batch of devices by the end of this year, the challenge remains in proving that the mask’s utility outweighs the social friction of wearing it in public. For now, the company continues to refine its hardware while navigating the unique demands of its diverse potential customer base.