Google and Samsonite teamed up to integrate Jacquard “ambient computing” technology into two new products. The Konnect-I Backpack—available in Slim ($200) and Standard ($220)—joins the Jacquard collection, alongside connected sneakers, a denim jacket, and a fashion-forward rucksack.
“The heart of Jacquard is the Jacquard Tag, a tiny computer built to make everyday items more helpful,” Ivan Poupyrev, director of engineering for the Google Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group, wrote in a blog announcement. “Whether it’s touch or movement-based, the tag can interpret different inputs customized for the garments and gear we’ve collaborated with brands to create.”
At first glance, there’s nothing particularly showstopping about the Konnect-I Backpack, which features multiple storage pockets, a padded laptop chamber, water-repellent fabric, and a sleeve that fits over most upright luggage handles.
But tap the left strap and you can unlock “tons” of features, according to Poupyrev. Using the Jacquard mobile app, you can customize gesture controls to play, pause, or skip music; trigger a photo countdown; hear your next map direction; or deliver call and text notifications. Other abilities include hearing the current time, pinging your phone, asking Google Assistant for help, and getting an alert when your ride-share arrives. Built-in LED lights illuminate based on your settings.
Snag a Konnect-I Backpack—complete with Jacquard dongle and micro USB charging cable—direct from Samsonite. Available in black, the 18-inch Standard sells for $219.99, while its more slender sibling, the 17-inch Slim, costs $199.99. Both ship for free in the US, with the option to pony up another $50 to $60 for expedited or priority delivery.
“This is only the beginning of the Jacquard platform, and thanks to updates, you can expect your Jacquard Tag gear to get better over time,” Poupyrev said. “Just like Google wants to make the world’s information universally accessible and useful, we at Jacquard want to help people access information through everyday items and natural movements.”
