Google's Project Jaquard technology woven into a Levi's commuter jacket was showcased at I/O last year. With this technology, users can send instructions to their smartphones by using gesture-based interactive technology.
Google and Levi's connected smart denim jacket will hit stores later this year. The smart denim jacket is based on ATAP's Project Jacquard technology, showcased nearly two years ago. At Google I/O last year, the search giant stated a spring release for the Levi's jacket based on Project Jaquard. At SXSW, Google and Levi's have finally announced that the smart commuter jacket will be priced at $350.
The Levi's commuter trucker jacket uses conductive fabric woven to turn the standard jacket into a connected wearable device. The left sleeve of Levi's commuter trucker jacket acts as a capacitive touchpad for taps and swipe gestures. The touchpad is reportedly powered by a small rechargeable tag that clips on to the inside of the sleeve, and its charge can last up to two days. The functions of the touchpad can be configured with an accompanying app, where users can set functions like start/stop music or answer phone calls.
At this point in time, Project Jaquard works only with a handful of apps and Google is yet to figure out third-party developer support. The jacket will primarily enable commuters to control their smartphone functions without needing to pull the phone out of the pocket.
Google's Advanced Technology and Projects group (ATAP) was responsible for the ambitious modular smartphone concept, codenamed Project Ara. Unfortunately, ATAP had to cancel the concept to focus on other technologies like the radar-based Project Soli. With Project Jaquard becoming available on a Levi's jacket later this year, Google's ATAP is finally delivering a consumer product that could become a thing for the future of clothing.
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