Back in May last year at the I/O 2016 Levi and Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) partnered to introduce wearable technology – the Levi’s Commuter x Jacquard by Google Trucker Jacket. At that time Google said that the jacket will be available in Spring 2017 with limited beta in the fall of 2016. Now the release date has been pushed to Spring 2017. At the SXSW announcement its price has also been confirmed.
Designed specifically to meet the needs of urban cyclists, this has gesture sensor and Jacquard Tag to stay connected using touch interactions. You can tap, swipe or hold on the left cuff of the sleeve to carry out tasks like changing music tracks, blocking or answering calls or accessing navigation information and nearby places that are transmitted through voice.
The Jacquard tag is flexible and has a USB connector so it can be charged every few days. You can remove the tag from the jacket and wash it like every other jacket. The snap button has a haptic motor in it for vibration feedback and a subtle LED light that glows to notify or help direct the user when travelling.
Even though ATAP’s modular phone concept, Project Ara was cancelled back in September last year, its Project Soli radar system for wearables is still going strong.
Levi’s Commuter x Jacquard will cost $350 (Rs. 23,290 approx.) when it comes out in Fall 2017.