Video: The connected jacket with smart touch fabric

Google and Levi Strauss have partnered to make a “smart jacket”. The end result is a USD$350 denim jacket branded as “Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard by Google”.

The jacket is designed specifically for cyclists and when paired with your phone, a simple brush or tap on the sleeve lets you stay connected to your music, navigation and friends without stopping to reach for your pocket.

Conductive fabric to allows the garment to send data and power without the need for wires. Simply stroke your arm to control your smartphone

One downside of the jean jacket does reveal why Levi’s and Google decided to switch from trousers to coats: the fabric can only survive being washed 10 times. After that, the fancy gestures go kaput.

What do you think? Is this an item you need in your wardrobe?

Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern and Chip Bergh share an elevator at D.Live. The Levi’s CEO shows off his connected jacket.