BladeRunner's GPS Enabled Jacket

BladeRunner, a clothing company based in the UK, has created a jacket with an embedded GPS tracker that will work anywhere in the world, with accuracy of up to 43 sq. ft. Apparently the original intent was for the skiing and snowboarding population, to help keep tabs the enthusiast should they get overzealous and tangle with an avalanche. But now, lucky kids all over the world will be able to don their gear, bundle up, and be visible on a 10-second refresh thanks to an interlink with Google Earth.

And if parents aren't glued to the computer like their children? No problem. Emails or text messages can be sent to cell phones when the youngin' “leaves the boundary.” So, basically, if you're thinking of skipping school and it's cold outside, you're kinda screwed. And if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a knife-fight, fear not for your jacket, because it's equipped with the slash-resistant lining that put BladeRunner clothing on the map last spring.

The jacket keeps its juice via a rechargeable battery, which wearers may be miffed to find will last for up to 18 hours. The child-sized coats cost $500*, plus a $20/monthly service fee. While this may sound like a lot, what price can you put on a piece of clothing that makes it impossible for teens to sneak out the way they have for generations, provides updates of your every move over two possible mediums, and as your gift with purchase keeps you from getting slashed in knife fights?

*Currently only available in the UK. No word as yet when it will become available in the US.

Posted by:
Rosario G. Villamor
IV-Tau
source: galacticemporium.net