Google and Levi's are taking the wraps off a smart jacket that lets wearers answer calls and do certain functions that a smartphone can via the apparel.
Dubbed Commuter, it's a piece of garment that's loaded with Project Jacquard technology, and for those who don't know what that particular venture is, it's the Mountain View-based company's attempt to produce smart clothing for
consumers.
The people behind it are none other than the folks over at Google Advanced Technology and Products (ATAP), showcasing the nifty device at the 2016 I/O conference.
"Project Jacquard makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms," Google says.
Using conductive yarns, the researchers manage to turn clothes into "interactive surfaces." On that note, the Commuter gives the user access to maps and music and, as mentioned earlier, the option to respond to incoming calls.
To control these functions, the wearer will have to tap or swipe on the smart jacket's cuff that has a Jacquard tag underneath it, which connects to the haptics and LED, to name a few of the embedded components. At this point, it should be noted that the tag is removable and rechargeable through USB.
Targeted at cyclists everywhere, the Commuter provides them easy access to said features on the go, not to mention that because of the inevitable sweating that physical activity causes, it's washing-machine friendly.
Also, the smart jacket is connected to the cloud, as it comes with a mobile app where users can manage other software that'll work with it.
Compatibility-wise, it's expected to have support for third-party services, including Spotify or fitness-focused apps.
It's also worth mentioning that the partnership with Levi's is only the beginning, as Google has plans to collaborate with other clothing makers to incorporate Project Jacquard on more apparels.
As for availability, it's believed to go into the beta phase this fall and hit the shelves in spring 2017, but there's still no word about pricing.
Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of the Commuter and its many smart features. Don't forget to hit up the video as well to get a good look at the technology.