Google's Project Ara is hoping to make a modular phone a real thing

Sure, this might not be as pretty as some of the flagship phones available from Apple and Samsung, but for what it is -- a functional phone -- I cannot get enough of this concept! Why shouldn't a phone have upgradeable parts that can be swapped whenever you want? Not to mention the ability to reduce waste by not having to replace an entire phone every few years (or every year).

Google's Project Ara looks like it just might be the one to change that. Their modular phone concept is going into beta which hopefully means a real product within a few years' time. I want in.

Levi's will ship the Google Jacquard smart jacket in Spring 2017

Levi's has announced that this coming fall, the Project Jacquard smart jacket will be released in a limited beta testing phase. The hope is for the jacket, with smart fabric woven into it, to go into full production by Spring 2017.

The jacket allows wearers to control smartphone functions with hand motions. The concept developed in partnership with Google is targeted at cyclists who need to keep their eyes on the road while still answering calls, getting directions, and changing music on their ride.