Google Is Working On A Talking Shoe

Advertisement

guy with shoes under bed

Flickr/sneakerphotography

Google wants you wearing computers from head to toe.

Advertisement

The company already has computerized eyewear and is now showing off a prototype of a "talking shoe" at the South by Southwest conference in Austin this week.

The shoe isn't the brainchild of the famous Google X group either, the ones responsible for the Google Glass eyewear and self-driving cars. It's a proof-of-concept gadget developed by the Advertising Arts team, Aman Govil, head of the Art, Copy & Code initiative told the Washington Post's Emi Kolawole.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

For instance, instead of using a running app on a smartphone, a connected shoe can log your run and give you feedback on your running mechanics. Imagine a shoe sponsored by an innersole company that can help you find the right support for your running style to prevent injuries.

When Kolawole tested the shoe, a screen on the shoe offered her encouragement as she picked up speed, saying on its built-in screen, "Go! Go! Go!”

Advertisement

Govil says that Google is not planning on releasing the shoe as a consumer product. It's just a prototype to inspire others.

Here's a look at the prototype shoe.