Tech titan Google and apparel giant Levi’s have collaborated together to create a new Levi’s Commuter Trucker jacket with Jacquard tech — powered by Google. The jacket allows users to perform multiple functions on their smartphone like change music tracks, get directions, pick calls and more simply by using gestures.
Google’s ATAP (Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group) developed Jacquard, which allows apparel manufacturers and fashion designers to integrate interactivity and connectivity into their clothes — creating a connected apparel platform. Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket uses the Jacquard tech which facilitates the use of gestures by the wearer to perform various tasks on their linked smartphone. “With Jacquard technology, you can perform common digital tasks—like starting or stopping music, getting directions or reading incoming text messages—by simply swiping or tapping the jacket sleeve,” Ivan Poupyrev Dr, Engineering Director, Technical Product Lead, Project Soli and Jacquard, wrote in a blog post. The Jacquard tech is embedded in the jacket with gesture-sensing threads woven into the cuff that wirelessly connects to a mobile phone using electronics embedded in the sleeve and the flexible snap tag.
The snap tag is equipped with a light ring and haptic feedback that notifies the wearer about incoming phone calls or text messages. The Levi’s Commuter Trucker jacket is just like any other denim jacket and can be washed after removing the snap tag. The gestures for various tasks on the jacket are fully customizable. Users can assign the gestures as they like using the Jacquard app.
“We’re excited for Jacquard to be out in the world, and look forward to seeing how connectivity and interactivity can dress up the rest of your closet.” The Jacquard-powered Levi’s jacket is available for purchase at select stores on Wednesday and will be available in USA online at www.levi.com and select Levi’s stores. The jacket is compatible with both Android (version 6.0.1 or newer) and iOS (10 or newer), though features across the platforms might vary. The jacket will require a Google account, internet connection and cellular plan for calls and texts. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
