"Have you ever wished you had something to remember all your passwords?" asked Avery Thompson at Popular Mechanics. Researchers from the University of Washington have developed a fabric that can store data "in the threads," enabling it to operate like a keycard or passcode to open doors or unlock accounts. The fabric contains thread that can carry an electric charge, and the researchers magnetized small sections with coded digits. The thread can then be read by a magnetometer, including the kind "built into most smartphones."
That "means you could wear a bracelet that unlocks your bank or email account." A phone's magnetometer could also be used with smart fabric to turn "gestures into actions," so that wearing a magnetic glove would allow you to "close apps, unlock your phone, or pause your music," even when the phone is in your pocket.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
October 13 editorial cartoonsCartoons Monday's political cartoons include Donald Trump's consolation prize, government workers during shutdown, and more
-
Can Gaza momentum help end the war in Ukraine?Today's Big Question Zelenskyy’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles hints at ‘warming relations’ between Ukraine and US
-
The Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being releasedThe Explainer Triumphant Donald Trump addresses the Israeli parliament as families on both sides of the Gaza war reunite with their loved ones
