Project Jacquard: Now You Will Be Able To Wear A Connected Denim
Wearable technology is a vast concept. Wearable technology is supposed to take you away from your smartphones and desktops and still be in touch with them. The intention was to improve your life in such minute ways. But over time, we have witnessed some wearables that are losing the real meaning of being a ‘wearable tech’ and instead are simply ugly wearables, with a heavy design. These wearables will really make you value the new Levi’s connected smart jacket which is a brave and positive form of wearable tech. The new Levi’s connected smart jacket can be said to be a wearable in its true sense.
Partnering With Levi’s.
The Project Jacquard is a Google initiative in partnership with Levi’s. Levi’s is the first brand to join forces with Google on this amazing wearable. Over the years, Levi’s has become an iconic brand. It is known for its fashionable and functional garments. The essence of the Levi’s brand has always been denim. Denim is a tough, iconic fabric that has formed the foundation of the Levi’s brand.
In the Jacquard Project, the Levi’s innovation team has designed and produced a garment that is both interactive and connected, which is supported by Google’s technology. It is very important for Levi’s as a brand to produce a garment that is identical to the brand’s traditional clothing.
A smart tag is used in order to provide digital connectivity to the garment. This tag consists of all the necessary electronics. Apart from this detachable tag, the whole interactive garment is washable and has the same durability as that of a regular denim.
The Jacket That Controls Your Smartphone.
The Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket, that is what they call it, is keeping a focus on bike commuters. Jacquard allows wearers to control their smart phones through the jacket. Jacquard allows the wearer to connect to a variety of services, such as music or maps, directly from the jacket. This is especially useful in situations when it might be difficult or impossible to use the smart phone.
Project Jacquard entwines both touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms. Everyday objects such as clothes and furniture can be transformed into interactive surfaces. This is only possible because of the new conductive yarns. These yarns were created in collaboration with their industrial partners.
Conductive Yarns.
The yarn structure of Jacquard combines thin, metallic alloys with natural and synthetic yarns. This makes the yarn strong enough to be woven on any industrial loom. The Jacquard yarns are pretty identical to the traditional yarns.
With the help of the conductive yarns, touch and gesture-sensitive areas can be woven at the exact same locations. Sensor grids can be woven throughout the textile. This will in turn create large, interactive surfaces.
Embedding Electronics.
Embedding electronics in a garment is a really tough task. The complementary components of the garment are placed in such a way that they are hardly noticed. The conductive yarns are attached to the connectors and the tiny circuits using novel methods. The tiny circuits are no larger than the size of a button. These miniaturized electronics are capable of capturing touch interactions. Also, various gestures can be concluded using machine-learning process.
The data that is captured through the touch and gesture is then wirelessly transmitted to mobile phones or other devices. It controls a wide range of functions like connecting to online services, apps, or phone features.
Cost-Efficient.
Jacquard components are cost-efficient to produce. The yarns and fabrics can be manufactured with standard equipment used in mills anywhere in the world. One loom is capable of generating various textile designs. The same loom can now weave in interactivity.
An Opportunity For Both Designers And Developers.
Jacquard is like a new opportunity for both designers and developers Designers can use it as they would use any fabric. They can add new layers of functionality to their designs. They can handle the design part without actually having to learn about electronics. While developers will be able to connect existing apps and services to Jacquard-enabled clothes. This way they can create new features created specifically for programme.
A Bit Pricey Though.
There is no date given as to when the new Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket is going to hit the market. But it will be priced at $350.
Nisarg is the Business Development Manager at Nimblechapps, a top mobile game development company and has been with the organisation since its inception in 2014. He likes to update his knowledge on changing trends in technology and marketing and pens his thoughts regarding the same on various blogs and LinkedIn.