Jacquard By Google Aims To Make Clothes, Smart
February 21, 2021Google’s can turn regular apparel into smart devices through the use of wearable technology. Jacquard by Google, is a smart device that can make items like jackets or sneakers as accessories to your smartphone. An example of this is the collaboration between the Search giant and Levi’s, to create a connected jacket with Jacquard technology.
When wearing this jacket, a user can perform simple gestures to trigger functions on their smartphones via a Jacquard app. The wearer could tap their sleeve to hear directions to the next destination or brush the cuff to change the song playing on a compatible music service.
Credit: Google
The tech is only compatible with phones running Android 6.0.1 or newer and iOS 11 or newer. but it’s a new way to get things done while on the move. Instead of having to pull out your smartphone or glance at your smartwatch, with Jacquard, simple hand gestures can get things done without the need to draw your attention away from the task at hand.
Besides a sense of convenience for active people, this tech could also benefit those who are differently abled. Google also worked with Champions Place, a shared living residence for young adults with disabilities in the greater Atlanta area. The company wanted to know how its new connected garments could be beneficial to them.
Apparel equipped with smart technology could be very useful in their daily lives. Instead of having to reach for their smartphones, a simple tap on the wrist could help to trigger a specific function. Residents at Champions Place also commonly rely on emergency call solutions usually worn on their necks. But Jacquard could change that.
This is just a start to what could eventually lead to more sophisticated wearable tech. You’ve probably heard of Nike’s self lacing shoes. All you have to do is slip your feet in place and apply pressure to tighten the shoes’ grip. Jacquard could take this to a whole new level.
This is an exciting time to be a tech enthusiast, because we’re able to watch these technologies mature and morph into unbelievable gadgets.
