Apple creates face shield for health workers, resists the temptation to call it the 'iMask'
- Reference: 1586331545
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/04/08/apple_coronavirus_face_shield/
- Source link:
The Register can't quite believe the company hasn't called it the iMask. The fruity firm does appear to have come up with a pleasing design that uses just three components, can be assembled in moments, and doesn't have overpriced RAM upgrade options because it's being given away.
There's already a [1]support page for the device, complete with [2]assembly instructions and a downloadable video guide [3][.MOV] .
The instructions warn that the device hasn't been tested or qualified to prevent or reduce infection and should not be used in surgery. But with reports that frontline health care workers are struggling to find any protective equipment, good efforts at solutions are welcome.
[4]
Another view of the I-can't-believe-it's-not-iMask. Click to enlarge
Apple CEO Tim Cook [5]took to Twitter to say the company's design teams have weighed in to get the project moving, while its supply chain people have worked with suppliers to secure 20 million masks. Cook also said the company has more to offer and will reveal its efforts soon.
Big tech is rallying to support frontline workers and healthcare staff during the crisis. Wipro has [6]opened its office kitchens in Bengaluru to feed migrant workers caught away from home during India's lockdown. Intel and Mozilla have signed the [7]Open COVID pledge , an effort to secure patent rights waivers in the interests of faster research. Clouds have donated compute time and storage resources, while vendors have developed tools for researchers and made their products free to assist with rapid implementation of remote working tools. ®
Sponsored: [8]Forrester Build a Digital Experience Portfolio
[1] https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211028
[2] https://support.apple.com/library/APPLE/APPLECARE_ALLGEOS/HT211028/FaceMask-Instructions_QR_FINAL_04012020.pdf
[3] https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/support/01587B63-5648-4068-9BE2-C1CE38803CD9/ACD04_v1-HLS_1280x720h.mov
[4] https://regmedia.co.uk/2020/04/08/apple_face_shield.jpg
[5] https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1246916489589837824
[6] https://twitter.com/mani1972ias/status/1245747873083351040
[7] https://opencovidpledge.org/
[8] https://go.theregister.co.uk/tl/1936/-8554/forrester-build-a-digital-experience-portfolio?td=wptl1936
Re: iMask was taken
Yes, but you need an Apple iGadget to read the assembly instructions.
There's a "You're wearing it wrong" joke in here, I'm sure of it...
Can't knock Apple for this kind of thing.
Even if one was to be really harshly cynical and call it a marketing/awareness exercise, it's still a good thing.
Even if one was to be really harshly cynical and call it a viral marketing/awareness exercise, it's still a good thing.
FTFY
Very good. I see what you did there.
In fairness, Apple plopped down $15 million with no strings.
Facebook said "$10 million, if the FB community donates as well", which seems a bit forced t'me.
But what would I know, I'm not a sillycon valley billionaire tech maven...
Nick Ryan>> Can't knock Apple for this kind of thing.
Let's first wait and see if they go after the innovative people, who been 3D printing these at home for the last weeks, for patent infringement.
No 3.5mm headphone socket I note.
Bad news. It may be free, but the iMask port to 3.5mm adaptor retails at $199.99.
It Definitely needs a name
How about ..... iProtection
Grass root projects
There is a lot of similar effort at a local level, such as Ricky El-Qasem in Manchester running his 3D printer at capacity: https://www.gofundme.com/f/northwest-ppe-project
Watch
Out for those rounded corners...
How many of these go straight in the bin as they are not made to any specification / certified standards?
Pretty much what BrewDog discovered when they tried making hand sanitiser for local hospitals. Turns out that standards and specifications are a thing and that not just anyone can have-a-go at creating medical supplies, who knew?
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/02/brewdog-hand-sanitiser-turned-down-local-hospitals-scotland
Similarly all the drugs Trump is touting at the moment (including offering them to Boris) - none of them tested or certified, but to quote the Donald "What's the harm in trying it?". Turns out, a lot if it causes side-effects.
iGag
I know, not os funny...
The question of course...
Is it what the healthcare community are asking for?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbEj7M3aZIg
Ah, Apple belatedly discovers the Prusa mask 3D printing project ( [1]https://blog.prusaprinters.org/from-design-to-mass-3d-printing-of-medical-shields-in-three-days/ ) that practically every single enthusiast in the world is frantically knocking out at high rate.
Nice of them to join in, albeit very late to the party; so frigging many masks have been delivered in the last two weeks that in the UK companies like BT have (at least locally) been acting as communication, distribution and supply hubs to keep maximum rate production going, and making sure that the masks are getting to where they are most needed.
I think we'll probably have delivered enough that everybody down to care workers will have them by the time they get made in a factory in China and then shipped intercontentially. The thought's nice though.
[1] https://blog.prusaprinters.org/from-design-to-mass-3d-printing-of-medical-shields-in-three-days/
I think the 3D mask printing efforts have been amazing and laudable, but it's about time someone with a decent injection moulding plant weighed in on this. Injection moulding machines could turn out the parts that take minutes or hours to print in about 15 seconds. So kudos to Apple, and once a few plants are churning these out, .and lets turn the innovative energy of the makers to the next problem
"should not be used in surgery"
I think surgeons are intelligent enough to not need such a warning.
There is a limit to what you need to include in your no-liability clauses, Apple.
Re: "should not be used in surgery"
No, there isn't. Certainly not if they are used in the USA or other litigious cultures.
"Apple Creates face shield"
Dont these already exist?
https://www.screwfix.com/c/safety-workwear/face-shields/cat850414
I don't think Apple's saying they invented it. More that they are fabricating and supplying them.
Invention claims will come later ;)
A mask for everyone
http://www.commitstrip.com/en/2020/03/23/a-mask-for-everyone/
I assume they'll be selling a rather nice stand to rest it on when not in use, for $999.99
iMask was taken
https://www.cultofmac.com/690631/apple-mask-pro-concept-counters-coronavirus-concerns-with-laughs/
Glad to see Apple really doing something for the cause!