Levi’s and Google will release the Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard technology tomorrow. This is a piece of wearable technology designed to make it easier to do ‘life’ whilst wearing it.
According to Google’s blog on the subject, the Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquart is designed for those moments when “cycling to work or juggling a cup of coffee,” explaining that it’s difficult to retrieve your smartphone to answer a call, read a text message or skip a music track. That’s why Google’s ATAP group (Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects) developed the ‘Jacquard’ technology, described as “a connected apparel platform that allows fashion designers and apparel manufacturers to integrate connectivity and interactivity into clothes.” In other words, it’s a component designed to be semi-permanently embedded into an item of clothing to make it smart. Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard goes on sale Wednesday, September 27.
Google’s blog explains that the first thing to understand about this Commuter Trucker Jacket is that first and foremost, it’s a denim jacket. It’s washable (but without the snap tag), durable, and should be comfortable for cyclists. Customers should be warmed by the jacket on and off the bike. The difference is that the Jacquard technology allows customers to perform certain tasks by tapping or swiping the jacket sleeve.
The sleeve contains many gesture-sensing Jacquard Threads, woven into the fabric. These connect wirelessly to a compatible smartphone via a flexible snap tag. Compatible Android devices must run at least Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and work with Bluetooth LE devices, but the snap tag is also compatible with iPhone 6 (and later) running iOS 10 (and later). Interestingly enough, customers will be required to have a Google account.
This tab also lets the wearer know about incoming calls and text messages by illuminating and vibrating. The software is configurable so that the cuff command area can be used to control different features. These currently include play / pause, and track skip, for music, an audio prompt for the next direction, estimated time of arrival or the current time, and having incoming text messages read out to you.
Google has prepared a support page here, and from the looks of it, the Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard technology will only be available to buy from selected retailers at a price of $350. Meanwhile, to whet your appetite, you can check out a cool YouTube clip demonstrating the work, below.
SOURCE [Google Keyword]
