Smart Hoodie Could Add New Layer of Security

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.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.