A Japanese company has created a “smart” mask that aims to improve communication for people wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The use of face masks has become the new normal in parts of the world still struggling to reduce spread of the coronavirus. However, masks and other kinds of coverings can affect the quality of communication between wearers. It can be more difficult to hear voices through the coverings. Many business and public spaces also have social distancing barriers in place, which also make it harder for people to be heard and understood. The wearable electronic device is designed to help improve speech interactions in such conditions.