Technology firm Dyson says it will launch a wearable purifier this year.

The wearable headpiece - known as the Dyson Zone - comes with noise-cancelling headphones, which it says will also deliver immersive sound.

"The compressors in each earcup draw air through the dual-layer filters and project two streams of purified air to the wearer's nose and mouth, channelled through the non-contact visor", it says.

The company says it will capture "city pollution including gases, allergens and particulate matter".

Originally envisaged as a snorkel-like mouthpiece paired with a backpack, Dyson says the product "evolved dramatically over its six years in development."

Dyson product development. Picture by: Dyson

Taking inspiration from the shape and design of a horse's saddle, Dyson says the Zone is engineered to distribute weight "over the sides of the head, rather than on the top".

This is also the company's first foray into the world of audio.

It says the headphones "reduce unwanted environmental noise and motor tones to provide advanced noise cancellation at home, at work and on-the-go".

Picture by: Dyson

Newstalk's technology correspondent Jess Kelly says only time will tell its success.

"Dyson has never been afraid to push design boundaries and I think that's pretty clear from the product images.

"While you may think this is a reaction to the pandemic, this device has actually been in the works for six years.

"I think it's a really interesting concept and another example of different kinds of wearable - but only time will tell if it'll take off here in Ireland", she says.

Chief engineer Jake Dyson says: "Air pollution is a global problem, it affects us everywhere we go.

"In our homes, at school, at work and as we travel, whether on foot, on a bike or by public or private transport.

"The Dyson Zone purifies the air you breathe on the move.

"And unlike face masks it delivers a plume of fresh air without touching your face, using high-performance filters and two miniaturised air pumps.

"After six years in development, we're excited to deliver pure air and pure audio, anywhere."

Dyson says it will be available online and in-store from the autumn.

Main image: Picture by: Dyson