Levi’s teams up with Google to create a smart jacket

When you think of wearable technology, you usually come up with activity trackers, smart watches or maybe a pair of sunglasses. But clothing company Levi's has teamed up with Google to come up with a smart jacket that, surprisingly enough, doesn't immediately scream "wearable tech".

The Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket has Jacquard by Google woven into the left sleeve, turning it into a touchpad with gesture recognition, and a snap-on tag that acts as a hub for notifications, commands and the like.

When paired with your phone, it allows you to interact with your music or maps app, although headphones seem to be an integral part of this setup.

The problem? It’s $350 (€296) and according to Levi’s own information, the jacket can only be washed 10 times before the woven-in technology is affected, and your smart jacket becomes a regular dumb one again. Denim jackets probably aren’t a regular wash item, but it’s something to keep in mind.