Google, Levi’s Project Jacquard Smart Jacket Launched, to cost around $350

Around two years ago, Google and Levi’s unveiled their smart Commuter Trucker Jacket, powered by search giant’s Project Jacquard smart clothing technology. And last year, the prototype of the Project Jacquard Smart Jacket was showed off, but now the companies have announced the availability and price of the wearable. Connected to your smartphone, the Commuter Trucker Jacket from Google and Levi’s provides users with the ability to dismiss incoming calls, music controls, and directions, all with just simple gestures on the cuffs.

The smart connected jacket, developed by search giant’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group, will cost $350 (roughly Rs. 23,200) when it is first made available in fall later this year.

Commuter Trucker Jacket, which Levi’s brought to SXSW this week in Austin, is the first commercial product containing Google’s ATAP division’s Project Jacquard technology.

The textile deploys conductive threads that the company created by combing thin, metallic alloys with natural and synthetic yarns like cotton, polyester, or silk.

As shown in the video, cufflinks of the jacket can recognize gestures such as single/double tap or wave. Connected to the smartphone, it can help you get directions, control music or calls or maybe even launch Google Assistant to take voice commands via connected headset.

The Commuter Trucker jacket is waterproof, except for a detachable electronic smart tag that activates a wireless connection between the clothing and a mobile device. It also houses a USB connector in order for it to be charged. The snap button on top of it has a haptic motor in it for vibration feedback and a subtle LED light that glows to notify or help direct the user on their travels. “If you get this thing dirty, you put it in the washing machine,” Paul Dillinger had said during Google’s annual developer conference in 2016.