Technology giant Google has teamed up with Levi¡¯s to make smart-jackets aimed at urban bike riders. The jacket, dubbed as the Commuter Trucker Jacket, uses Google¡¯s Jacquard technology which turns it into a smart apparel that can be gesture-controlled.
The smart-jacket will be finally up for sale later this year.
So, what is Google¡¯s Jacquard technology and what makes this jacket one of a kind? Here's a quick lowdown:
Google¡¯s Project Jacquard is a leap into the future of smart fabric technology. Where Google Glass and Android Wear failed to fetch a response, Google has pitted its hopes on the smart fabric.
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Google¡¯s Project Jacquard was initially showcased in 2015, back when it was merely a prototype. In 2017, the concept has evolved into a full-fledged product ready for mass production and subsequent sale.
The first Jacquard-enabled jackets are set to hit Levi¡¯s stores later this year.
How Jacquard works
Imagine, you have to answer a call. However, instead of actually taking out your phone from your pocket, you only tap at a certain part of your jacket and tada, the call¡¯s been answered. That¡¯s Project Jacquard.
"Project Jacquard makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms. Everyday objects such as clothes and furniture can be transformed into interactive surfaces", says Google.
The product is simple. The conductive yarn structure is a combination of thin, metallic alloys with natural and synthetic yarns like cotton, polyester or silk.
"Using conductive yarns, bespoke touch and gesture-sensitive areas can be woven at precise locations, anywhere on the textile. Alternatively, sensor grids can be woven throughout the textile, creating large, interactive surfaces," explains Google.
The technology in the jacket is kept as discreet as possible. The connectors and circuits could be as small as a button on the jacket. The miniature electronics embedded in the jacket are capable of capturing signals, touch interactions and gestures via algorithms.
The captured gesture or touch is then transmitted wirelessly to the phone or any other connected device to control a wide array of functions.
The smart-jacket comes fitted with Bluetooth-powered cufflinks enabling users to swipe fingers and send commands to the smartphone, making it extremely convenient to get directions, answer phone calls and control music, all without pulling the smartphone out of the pocket.
However, people willing to buy this jacquard will have to shell off a heavy amount. It will be priced around $350 (roughly Rs 24,500).
While the idea sounds very convincing, it remains to be seen as to how the jacket will fare in the market. Making technology a part of daily wearable fabric seems to be a?convincing idea and the first-of-its-kind may take the wearable market by storm.