Earlier today we reported on Google’s Project Jacquard which for those of you who might have missed it, is Google’s attempt at creating interactive fabric by weaving conductive material through it, which in turn could result in creating fabric-covered surfaces or even clothing that could be used to control all sorts of devices.
Now if you’re a fan of wearable technology, and we’re not just talking about smartwatches and fitness bands, you will be interested to learn that Google has announced that they will be teaming up with Levi’s to create Project Jacquard infused clothes. Given that Levi’s is a brand best known for their jeans, we could be looking at some high-tech pants in the future.
It is unclear as to how exactly this will work or what kind of products could be the result of such a collaboration, but what Google has demonstrated so far is that with Project Jacquard, they can make fabric interactive. During their demonstration they showed how lights could be turned on and off, and how it could also be used to control music.
Imagine if that technology was baked into your clothing. You could tap your fingers against your pants to pause/play music, adjust volume, or skip songs on your mobile device. You could also reject calls without having to reach out and take your phone, thus allowing you to concentrate on whatever’s at hand. You could even use it as a way to unlock your smart lock installed in your home, the possibilities are endless!
According to Levi’s head of product innovation Paul Dillinger, he believes that with Project Jacquard, it will allow “the clothes we love to interface with the digital world, while maintaining eye with the people we’re having dinner with.”