Google and Levi's have developed a "smart jacket" that allows cyclists to answer their mobile phones while on the move.

Users just have to tap a button sewn into a sleeve to answer a call. It's Google's newest attempt to produce smart clothing that makes wearable both fashionable and useful. What Google wants is to turn clothing into touchpads.

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The smart jacket is called Levi's Commuter x Jacquard by Google Trucker Jacket. Sewn into it is tech developed by Google's Project Jacquard. It will hit retail stores in the spring of 2017.

Levi's Commuter Jacket is the first iteration of Project Jacquard to actually get to market. The tech in this jacket will allow bikers to use their smartphones by using their sleeve as a touch sensor. The sensor in the jacket allows the smartphone app to communicate with the phone and is activated by either a swipe or tap on the smart jacket's cuff.

Beneath this sensor is a Jacquard tag that connects to the haptics and LED. The smart jacket is connected to the cloud and comes bundled with a mobile app. The retail version of the jacket is expected to have support for third-party services, including Spotify and fitness apps.

The sensor is flexible and this enables its use in any size jacket. You can hand wash or machine wash the jacket and the tech will remain functioning.

Google said its Project Jacquard makes it possible to weave touch and gesture interactivity into any textile using standard, industrial looms. It explained that conductive technology turn clothes into "interactive surfaces."

Levi's Commuter jacket is a clothing line made especially for bicyclists. No word yet on pricing, however.

You can view a YouTube on the Commuter jacket at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ-lcdMfziw. 

TagsGoogle, Levi's, smart jacket, Levi's Commuter x Jacquard by Google Trucker Jacket, Project Jacquard