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Ermenegildo Zegna's iSolarX jacket juices up gadgetry
While Ermenegildo Zegna made the plunge into high-end, electronic savvy outerwear last Fall, its newest piece ups the ante by allowing gadgetry that you keep on your person to be charged up whilst out and about -- sans batteries. The Solar JKT is based around Interactive Wear AG's iSolarX technology, and sports a number of solar modules around the neoprene collar that can pass energy through conducting textile leads for storage in a buffer battery or to charge a connected device directly. The jacket can even be switched from 5V to 6V in order to handle a more diverse group of gizmos, and integrated LEDs enable you to quickly view the state of the charge. Sadly, there's no mention of an expected pricetag for this uber-useful garb, but it will likely cater specifically to the affluent set when it hits the market as part of the 2008 Spring / Summer collection.
iLuv shows off "Fashionology" iPod jacket
Those still not satisfied by the various iPod-ready jackets out there will soon have another option to try on for size, this one coming to us from the prolific folks at iLuv. As with most other similar jackets, iLuv's "Fashionology" jacket boasts all the necessary controls on the outside of the sleeve, with buttons seemingly big enough to be manipulated while wearing gloves. Unfortunately, there's no word on price (though we suspect it'll be considerably less than some of the alternatives), but those in Korea should be able to get one sometime this October.
Lodenfrey's io-Jacket utilizes GPSoverIP tracking technology
Utilizing hybrid GPS tracking technology to locate things whilst inside a building has wandered over into the commercial realm a few times before, but Germany's Lodenfrey is hoping you'll keep said technology overtly near and dear to your heart. The io-Jacket, which had one unit built to raise money for the "Humans for Humans" foundation, doesn't differ too much from other gizmo-laced jackets that have come before at first glance, but if you look beyond the built-in Bluetooth, integrated MP3 player, touch-sensitive control pads, and dashing good looks, you'll notice the compatibility with GPSoverIP. This functionality enables the wearer to upload "real-time tracking data" via their cellphone to a website, where a paranoid parent or mission commander could keep watch on the situation regardless of buildings. No word on future pricing or availability options just yet, but the one unit that was auctioned off for charity fetched €2,960 ($4,019) -- which is reportedly about €740 ($1,005) less than the cost of construction.[Via The Raw Feed]
Plantronics and Quicksilver team up for Bluetooth / iPod-enabled winter gear lineup
Seeing newly-unveiled outerwear touting iPod / Bluetooth connectivity is becoming a winter tradition it seems, as these blustery days bring about visions of new coats, helmets, lift tickets, and never letting go of your dear DAP / cellphone. This time around Quicksilver is seeking the technological know-how from Plantronics as it offers up a "limited edition" lineup of snow-ready gear that plays nice with your iPod and BT-equipped handset. The Double Daffy Snow Jacket sports Plantronics "stereo sound and voice technology" via Bluetooth, and should hit retail stores for $370 soon, while the presumably corresponding Pulse Helmet rocks a lightweight, ABS-infused design, side vents, and a black camo motif for $249.95. For the ladies in the house, the Teen Angel Snow Jacket caters to the female agenda for $340, and the partnering Shiver Helmet will run you $249.95. While no hard availability dates were mentioned, all the new kit will be on display at the SIA conference in Las Vegas through the end of the week, and we assume it'll hit your favorite ski shop shortly thereafter.
An iPod jacket for the white collar set
So you want to wear a jacket with integrated iPod controls to work, but you aren't exactly Tony Hawk. Enter the Koyono BlackCoat Work. It's something you could easily wear to the office, and features a hidden, five-button control pad that allows for full access to the iPod's functions. Koyono describes it as a "denim jacket/sport coat hybrid," and is one for four new iPod coats the company plans to release during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2006. The BlackCoat Work will cost $179US, and you can sign up to be notified of the official release date. If they could only find a way to hide my headphones so I could wear this during staff meetings, I'd be all over it.[Via Engadget]
Customizable iJacket case for iPod
Brainchild Products, LLC offers a new spin on the iPod case with the custom iPod iJacket, a customizable silicon jacket for "all version of Apple's iPod," though the latest 5G version is not on their list - yet. They offer a slew of interesting and fairly unique pre-designed cases for the iPod 4G/photo, nano, mini and shuffle, while also offering a fairly robust customizing service that seems geared towards organizations and companies who want a custom design in bulk packages of at least 50 cases. A six-step customization process is outlined with a choice between downloading a DIY design template or having Brainchild Products, LLC design the case for you. For now pricing on custom jobs is only available by phone, but pricing on individual pre-designed cases starts at just $12.99.[via iLounge]
