Levi’s has partnered with Google Advanced Technology and Products (ATAP) group to create a futuristic jacket that embeds smart technology right into the textile, revolutionizing one of the oldest pieces of tech ever invented: fabric.
Unlike most wearables where a piece of tech is unimaginatively slapped onto clothing, the Levi’s Commuter x Jacquard by Google Trucker Jacket actually integrates the tech in the fabric itself.
On the left cuff of the sleeve, is a pattern that’s designed to look like an error in the weave and a Bluetooth-enabled clip that acts as a touchscreen.
Next to it is a black smart tag that snaps into place and holds the battery and the USB connector to charge the jacket. The Commuter then automatically connects to a smartphone app that allows users to experience functionalities like adjusting music volume, getting navigation directions, and handling calls with simple swipe gestures — brush in, brush out, and double tap.
All swipe commands generates a small vibration on your arm and an LED light, providing wearers with haptic feedback. And yes, the jacket’s conductive yarn is made to survive the wash.
“In the future, everything is going to be connected.
“We don’t want the functionality to be a short fix and the technology then expires. We want people to keep the jacket for a long time as they do with other Levi’s products.”
Ivan Poupyrev, technical program lead at Google’s ATAP at SXSW
The jacket will retail for $350 (roughly P17,500), and will be out some time during the last quarter of this year.