In addition to announcing Project Vault, Google ATAP
(Advanced Technology And Projects) also introduces two other projects that are
designed to revolutionize the way we interact with digital devices: Project
Jacquard and Project Soli.
Project Jacquard
Project Jacquard is Google's innovation in changing anything
made of fabric - in this case clothing – to be a touch panel for devices such
as smartphones or tablets. They develop conductive yarn that can be woven into
sophisticated fabric.
Currently, Google is working with the world's most famous jeans
manufacturer, Levi's, in order to apply the technology that's carried by
Jacquard Project. Later, we may be able to buy a Levi's jeans where the front
pocket is composed of conductive threads, which are connected to the controller
unit that's well hidden in the back pocket.
In the end, we can navigate a smartphone or tablet just by
touching a special part of the pants pocket. For more details, you can see the
video below.
Project Soli
Project Soli is a tiny sensor that can be implanted into the
circuit board of various electronic devices, ranging from smartwatch to
Bluetooth speakers. This sensor uses radar technology to recognize and read the
various movements of our fingers.
Thus, we can navigate these devices just by moving our
fingers. Touching the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger will
mimic the movement of touching a button. The certain gestures like scrolling or
swiping can also be done using our fingers.
Google ATAP team explains that the radar technology is far
more accurate than the camera. Thus, a small movement of the fingers can be
recognized and read by Project Soli, before ultimately translated as an input
on the device. If you're still curious about the Project Soli, you can watch
this following video.