Microsoft researchers have created a scarf that can be
commanded to heat up and vibrate via a smartphone app, part of an exploration of
how the accessory could eventually work with emerging biometric- and
emotion-sensing devices. It could, perhaps, soothe you if a sensor on your body
determines you’re down—a function that could be particularly useful for people
who have disorders such as autism and have trouble managing their
feelings.
The current prototype—which the researchers made after
consulting with people with autism and hearing and visual disabilities—is a
flexible laser-cut garment made of hexagons of industrial felt overlaid with
conductive copper taffeta. Some of the modules can heat up, while others
can vibrate.
A Bluetooth app can cause the scarf to vibrate or heat up by
sending signals to modules within the wearable that can be configured depending
on the user’s preferences. A scarf could be wrapped around the wearer in a vest
like manner if such comfort were desired. The vast number of ways in which a
scarf can be folded add to the flexibility and style options of this tech driven
fashion accessories.
Learn more about the Microsoft
Smart Scarf.
Read a full news article at the MIT Review Technology website
at
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/534261/microsoft-researchers-get-wrapped-up-in-smart-scarf/
You may also have interest in reading about the Microsoft
band here on the Fashion Blog.
Learn more about
wearable technology and what it means to the world and the clothing
industry.