Motorola Inc. announced it is working with snowboard company Burton to develop mobile-phone-friendly jackets, hats and helmets for snowboarders, a move aimed at garnering acclaim among younger wireless users.
The products, scheduled for release later this year, will feature sewn-in speakers and microphones so that snowboarders can answer calls without digging in their pockets for their mobile phones. For example, the prototype jacket features a pocket for a Bluetooth-capable mobile phone, which will then transmit calls to Bluetooth-capable speakers sewn into the jacket’s hood. Users will be able to manage calls using a Bluetooth-capable control panel sewn into the jacket’s sleeve.
Motorola’s teaming with Burton follows its previously announced partnership with Apple Corp. for the company’s hip iTunes digital music service. Although Motorola has not yet released any devices that can access iTunes, rumors have been spreading about an upcoming launch. Motorola and Apple have remained tight lipped on the subject.
In other fashion news on the wireless front, Hypergear Inc. released its new “2005 collection” of mobile-phone carrying bags. The stylized Kangaroo-branded phone purses come in a variety of colors and designs for the trend-conscious mobile-phone user. Hypergear said it will show off the new collection at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.
