We love wearable tech. If it makes our lives easier, keeps us connected and integrates seamlessly into our closet, then we are all about it. Which is probably why we’re so excited about Google’s latest announcement. At their annual developer conference last week, Google revealed that its Advanced Technology and Projects group has been working on a fabric that has "digital sensing capabilities." They also announced this smart textile will be developed and put into production in a partnership with Levi’s under the name Project Jacquard.
The smart jeans, when complete, will be able to connect wirelessly to your phone or tablet, and control your device with just a swipe of a finger, turning everyday denim into a mobile platform. And while the idea of smart fabric isn’t new, Google is attempting to translate the technical aspects into something that the fashion and textile industry can understand—not the other way around. The conductive yarn that they devised is the same size and texture as traditional fabrics so the microfiber will work in industrial weaving machines anywhere in the world. This means that someday the technology could be found in any fabric and used in everything from jeans to furniture to the interior lining of a car.
While there’s no timeline for when these Project Jacquard pieces will be commercially available, rumors are circulating that it could be seen in stores as early as next year. We see it as a possibility considering that Google is tailoring their technology to mass-produced and mainstream products like jeans, rather than trying to make an entirely new wearable item like Fit Bit or the Apple Watch. Only time will tell if this takes off, but you can bet we’ll be the first in line for a pair of smart Levi’s.
