Now,Microsoftsgot me excited again, and, well, skeptical.
This week, the tech giantpublisheda filed patent, called Smart fabric that recognizes objects and touch input.
In other words, Microsoft is developing fabric that can recognize and identify objects nearby.
So what do you mean by smart fabric?
In the case of Microsoft, the patent is for fabric in a jeans pocket.
The fabric is embedded with layers of connected sensors that can recognize an object or gesture.
And, its more than just sewing in a few sensors.
The patent also details the development of data processing circuitry.
It can receive, process, and transmit data from the smart fabric.
Then, theres a computing system containing a machine learning module.
It receives and processes incoming data and builds prediction models.
The computer system can recognize objects commonly held in a pocket and their absence.
It could also have applications in gaming and various consumer products.
Its a somewhat strange use case.
The late 2010s saw an interest in smart textiles and wearable tech increase.
Processing power got faster and cheaper, and equipment components got smaller.
But, tech has failed us.
And a whole lot of academic papers and patents.
Microsoft has a strong ethos ofinclusive designembedded in its hardware and software.
Its possible it may utilize the fabric in accessible product development.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
