VOA慢速英语2017 即将推出世界首个‘智能夹克’（在线收听）

A jacket that communicates with electronic devices is the latest invention in wearable technology.

最近，可穿戴技术领域有了新发明——一款可连接电子设备的新型夹克衫。

The “smart jacket” was developed by Google in partnership with the American clothing manufacturer Levi’s.

这款“智能夹克”由谷歌（Google）与美国服装界大佬李维斯（Levi’s）合作推出。

The two companies recently demonstrated the jacket at the South by Southwest technology conference in Austin, Texas.

在得克萨斯州奥斯汀举行的西南偏南大会上，两家公司展示了这款“智能夹克”。

The jacket is made from the same denim material that Levi’s is known for worldwide. But it also comes equipped with wireless connectivity.

这款外套采用的是李维斯享誉全球的丹宁牛仔面料。只不过，外套还增加了无线连接设备。

The technology uses fabric made with materials that can carry electronic signals. This lets people touch an area of the jacket near the wrist to perform wireless actions.

该科技产品所用纤维中含有可导电材料。用户能够通过触摸手腕的布料控制无线连接。

The interactive jacket includes a small “smart tag” that attaches to the end of the sleeve. This connects with Bluetooth technology to communicate with other devices.

这款互动夹克内置一个微型“智能标签”，与袖子的末端相连。而蓝牙技术通过标签与其他电子设备相连。

If this tag is removed, the jacket can be washed just like other pieces of clothing.

你只需摘下智能标签，这种夹克就可以当做一件普通衣物清洗。

The jacket is expected to begin selling this autumn for $350.

该款夹克衫预计在秋季发售，售价为350美元。

The new product demonstrates Google and Levi’s desire to create a modern version of denim. The material was first introduced in 1873.

这一新产品是谷歌与李维斯合力打造的一款现代版丹宁面料服饰。丹宁面料最早是在1873年被引进美国的。

The jacket lets users easily control mobile devices while doing other activities, the project website says. Users can connect directly from the jacket to several different services, including phones, music or maps.

该产品的官网介绍称，智能夹克能够让用户在进行其他活动时轻松控制可移动电子设备。用户可以直接通过夹克连接几项不同的服务，包括手机，音乐或地图。

Developers expect the jacket to be especially popular among bicycle riders. They may find the technology easier to use than a smartwatch.

开发人员称，该款夹克将在骑行爱好者中大受欢迎。用户可能会发现，智能夹克比智能手表用起来更顺手。

The project website says its team expects to see many other kinds of wearable technology in the future. It also urges designers to come up with their own ideas.

官网还介绍称，预计未来会出现更多其他类型的可穿戴技术。此外，它还呼吁各位设计师踊跃提出好的创意。

Words in This Story

jacket – n. a piece of clothing that is worn on your upper body over another piece of clothing such as a shirt

denim – n. strong cotton material, usually blue, used to make jeans and other clothes

fabric – n. woven or knitted material used to make clothes and other things

wrist – n. part of the body joining the hand to the arm

tag – n. small piece of cloth, paper, metal, etc. that attaches to something else

sleeve – n. the part of a jacket or shirt that covers the arm