Google and Levi’s 'smart jacket' to go on sale this year

The commuter jacket specifically designed for urban bike commuters will cost around $350

Tech giant Google and Levi’s have finally released their latest wearable technology which will go on sale this fall.

The wearable technology was first unveiled in 2015 under Google Project Jacquard, an initiative of the company’s Advanced Technology and Products wing that works to turn objects into interactive, gesture-controlled surfaces.

“Project Jacquard makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms,” says Google, adding, “Using conductive yarns, bespoke touch and gesture-sensitive areas can be woven at precise locations, anywhere on the textile. Everyday objects such as clothes and furniture can then be transformed into interactive surfaces.”



PHOTO: GOOGLE

Engineers at Project Jacquard capitalised on the fact that the structure of textiles is the same as touch screens which enabled them to replace some of the threads with those from conductive yarns to weave products that can recognise a variety of single touch gestures.



The company then partnered with Levi’s to integrate its Jacquard technology into the company’s Commuter Trucker Jacket lined which are designed specifically for urban bike commuters.

PHOTO: GOOGLE

The jackets left sleeve has woven capacitive touch panels that allow users to use a paired smartphone by tapping or swiping across the sleeve.



“Jacquard allows wearers to control their mobile experience and connect to a variety of services, such as music or maps, directly from the jacket. This is especially useful when it might be difficult to use the smart phone, like when you are riding on your bike,” says Google.

PHOTO: GOOGLE

The touchpad is powered by a small rechargeable "tag" that clips onto the inside of sleeve. The battery on the tag will last about two days, according to Google.

Levi’s Google-powered Commuter jacket will be available later this year and will cost around $350 which is a lot pricier than normal denim jackets. However, the company says it's working to add support for additional gestures later on, which could enable more ways for users to interact with the latest line of wearable technology.

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