Smart Hoodie Could Add New Layer of Security -- Security Today

Smart Hoodie Could Add New Layer of Security

By Ginger Hill
Jun 09, 2014

Wearable electronics isn’t a new phenomenon, from the Sony Walkman – a fun blast from the past - to the currently trending Google Glass and smartwatches, students at New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (IPT) have added a new wearable to the mix: the Smart Hoodie.

This hooded sweatshirt, with a GSM radio sewn in, responds to different gestures that trigger different text messages to be sent to a pre-programmed contact’s smartphone. Imagine touching the hood or rolling up the sleeve to automatically send a text message to one of your contacts.

From a security standpoint, this hoodie could be a new tool to support personal safety and emergency situations. For example, text-to-911 could offer wears the ability to notify emergency services when walking through a not-so-safe area without anyone knowing. The gesture used to do this could be so natural looking that it wouldn't tip off others to what you are actually doing.

As this is a student project, I’m sure there are kinks in the technology to be worked out, but I don’t think wearables such as the Smart Hoodie is far beyond consumer reach.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

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