Something interesting appeared on the Popular Airsoft radar screen yesterday. Whether it will take airsoft gaming to the next level or not, that's something that we'll leave to airsoft players to find out. But for now, we are curious about what this product prototype promises it can do that was announced by the Nexo Group on the 1st of October 2015.

Called the Python Thermal Mask, it is what Nexo Group claims to be "The Greatest Airsoft Innovation Ever", though that's pushing it too far since it is not related to the actual development of a new airsoft gun technology, as the airsoft gun is the core of airsoft and without it there will be no airsoft in the first place.

One feature of the Python is that it can also used with Augmented Reality and with the use of voice commands, the airsoft player can interact with the information displayed on the screen. Another feature is field communications as it allows you to conduct live voice chats with your team allowing you to coordinate actions better.

As for monitoring your team mates and other airsoft players, it also has real-time GPS-radar mapping that shows the location of the players in the field and I assume that all players are wearing the Python in order to use this feature.

What's more is that it is also capable of taking still photos and record the airsoft gameplay on video. No specifications yet have been mention such as resolution, pixels, frame rate, and storage type (eg, SD, MicroSD).

But the one feature of the Python touted by Nexo Group is the inclusion of a micro thermal camera which of course gives the airsoft player thermal imaging ready to go with the Python. With thermal imaging, one can see through smoke, darkness, and fog, negating the cover that smoke grenades and low light conditions provide. With the Python a player can be ready for night airsoft games.

That's a lot of features in one goggle: thermal imaging, GPS, voice communications, augmented reality, and video camera, and I wonder if there is a smartphone and smartphone app requirement for all of these to work.

Curious about this product, Optimus Prime contacted Nexo Group, as the company is located in London, if there is a possibility of checking the Python out first hand. According to Francesca Giussani, the New Press and Media Marketing Manager for the Nexo Group, they are still working of the final working prototype so it's not yet available for viewing and testing. But there is a possibility of the product being inspected by Optimus Prime before it gets released which is seen to be in the first half of 2016.

As for pricing it will be between €550 and €650. It can be purchased online or via authorised resellers when it gets released. Nexo Group sees its application not limited to airsoft as its features can be used for life saving purposes and announced that it will be offered also to firefighters and perhaps other first responders. At least if it won't be a success in airsoft, it might be used as an essential gear to organisations that are in the business of saving lives and property.