The future is here, folks, and it’s in a Google and Levi’s denim jacket. We saw the first stage of the “connected” jacket last year, but now, the features are getting even more tech-forward.
Last year’s version enabled users to control music, preview phone calls and get directions with the tech-enabled cuffs. According to TechCrunch, the new jacket update features will include ride-sharing alerts, location saving and Bose’s “Aware Mode,” which enables listeners to enjoy the noise reduction of certain background noises while still aware of most ambient sounds.
The new features are part of the Jacquard platform 1.2 update, which went live yesterday. It will roll out all week.
Here’s a video on the update:
TechCrunch pointed out that the ride-sharing updates are a strange addition, seeing as the connected jacket was initially created with the urban biker in mind. But, extending the jacket’s features to the everyday consumer make it easier for more shoppers to get on board, obviously.
If you’re wondering how the notifications work, jacket-wearers connect their Lyft or Uber in the companion mobile app and assign the “rideshare” option to the snap tag on the cuff. The jacket will then inform you when your ride is three minutes away, and then when the ride has arrived. To receive more details on the notification, users can brush in from their jacket.
It will be interesting to see if prospective buyers are more inclined to purchase this connected jacket now that it has these new features. As of right now, Google and Levi’s aren’t sharing sales numbers, even though Levi’s has said in a statement that it is pleased with the response so far.
Will wearable tech continue to make headlines? As of right now, the answer is definitely yes, but we are waiting to see if these options are adopted on a mass level.
