On Friday, Google placed a teaser for a football shoe insole that is equipped with a Jacquard chip. Its function was not clear, but it has been leaked: the sole registers ‘touch, control, speed and kicks’ in football and links with FIFA Mobile.
The so-called Adidas GMR insoles, according to the packaging, have “interwoven technology” on the inside, which suggests that in addition to the Jacquard module, there is even more hardware in the sole itself. Not only is the wearer’s football performance measured, but in the linked FIFA Mobile app, that performance is converted into improved performance for the wearer’s team. The packaging also mentions lead boards, football challenges and exclusive rewards. A copy is in the hands of Footy Headlines.
A well-known application of Project Jacquard is the Levi’s Trucker Jacket, with which things such as volume, music, navigation and calls can be controlled via touches on the sleeve. In addition, there is a backpack that was developed in collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent. It has a touch-sensitive strap, a vibration function and an indicator light. For example, this bag can also be used to operate media or to address the Google Assistant.
According to the Google teaser, the release is on March 10 and more details about the product will be released. The price and availability per region is not yet known.