Google Shows Off a Talking Shoe at SXSW

Google showed off its latest experiment in wearable computing at this year’s SXSW in Austin, a talking shoe. The sarcastic speaking shoe is part of Google’s Art, Copy & Code project, and was created by artist Zach Lieberman in cooperation with design studio YesYesNo. However, a representative made it clear to Engadget that “Google is not getting into the shoe business.” Using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and pressure sensors in its sole, the hacked Adidas tracks a users movement and gives aural feedback through a speaker in the shoe’s tongue. The sassy shoe goads and encourages in a smooth British accent with phrases like “sitting down on the job, are we?” and “nailed it!” It also connects to any phone or computer via Bluetooth, so users can track and share their activity and the shoe’s witty remarks.

images via Engadget