Google partnered with Levi to create the Project Jacquard. A new smart commuter jacket, that allows the wearer to send commands to their smartphone.
As reported by the Tech Republic, Google and Levi unveiled their smart commuter jacket, which allows the wearer to send instructions to their smartphone. The plan about this interactive jacket was first announced in 2015. According to Google, the technology makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms. Basically, Google has developed a conductive yarn that allows the company to create smart clothes and smart furniture by adding in interactive surfaces to the fabric.
According to Forbes, Project Jacquard is a fashion item first. All wearables are more about hardware devices with the occasional fashion accessorizing. However, this jacket is all about textiles. The jacket’s design is based on an existing Levi’s jacket, the Commuter Trucker. It is a jacket for urban cyclist, which is the point about the tech’s functionality too.
On the left cuff of the sleeve is the conductive interface that is designed to look like a slight error in the weave and acts as a touchscreen. There is a black strap that slots into the jacket next to that interface that holds the battery, and the USB connector to charge it. The jacket is expected to answer the phone, turn music on, ask the time, get directions, read a message, and more. The other important part is to give the user a sign of the action they take. To achieve that, Google has added a small vibration on your arm when you brush in or out. Levi is also in the process of discovering other items that can incorporate this technology, while Google is also exploring opportunities with other partners.
According to Live Science, the jacket will cost $350 and it will be available this fall. Whether people are into the idea of this particular jacket or not, the fact remains that the jacket could spark the beginning of a new type of clothing. It is a straightforward user interface embedded in things that people wear every day.
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