Google designs "networked" smart denim jacket for bicycle commuters

According to foreign media TechCrunch, at the Google I/O Developers Conference last year, Google showed a "networked" smart denim jacket designed for bicycle commuters. A year later, Google finally launched the final product.

The smart denim jacket will be available on Wednesday (September 27) local time and will cost $350 (about $2,321). The jacket, designed by Google and the jeans brand Levi's, takes advantage of Google's Advanced Technology and Projects Group (ATAP) technology to weave multi-touch sensors into clothing. At the Google I/O Developers Conference, the two companies demonstrated how bicycle commuters can control various functions by touching their jacket cuffs and using gestures. They don’t need to take out their phones to handle calls, send and receive messages, Adjust the volume and use things like Google Maps Navigation. In the statement, Google said that the wearer can do a lot of things by sliding or tapping the sleeves of the new Levi's commuter jacket, such as stopping or playing music, navigating, or reading incoming text messages. This method works because a set of gesture-sensing sensors are woven into the cuffs of the jacket and then wirelessly connected to the wearer's phone through tiny electronic devices embedded in the sleeves. It also alerts you to calls and text messages through tactile feedback and light. The gestures you use can be reset via the companion mobile app so you can customize the jacket to suit your needs. This jacket is compatible with iOS or Android devices, although it comes from Google. On Levi's website, the clothing manufacturer pointed out that when you remove the label from the cuff, the entire jacket itself is washable, just like ordinary denim. However, you can see that there is a bit of stiffness in the cuff that weaves into the sensor, which can make you feel uncomfortable. But the denim texture of the jacket (tough, sturdy fabric) makes it less noticeable, at least compared to softer fabrics such as cotton. However, this label seems a bit awkward and not too fashionable. Although the way to use technology is interesting, it is unclear how high the demand for this smart jacket is. After all, functions like calling, listening to music or navigating can also be done with a smartphone and a Bluetooth Headset. For example, Apple's AirPods can call Siri, which does many tasks without the need for a handheld device. Of course, it's difficult to play with your phone on your bike, but using one hand to slide and pat the sleeve on the other arm may be slightly better. Maybe this improvement is not worth $350. Having said that, Levi's smart jackets may not be sold in large quantities, more to prove that the concept can be brought to market. This is a test to see how people will think about the wearable technology embedded in their clothes and whether they really use it. The jacket will be available in select stores on Wednesday, including Kinfolk in Brooklyn, Fred Segal in West Hollywood and CA and Concepts in Boston. On October 2nd, it will be sold online and sold at selected Levi's stores.