Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have created a novel, high-tech sort of material that foreshadows a future in which clothing gadgets may “talk” to one other and purchases can be made with a high-five or a wave of the arm. … “You’ve used near-field signaling applied sciences if you’ve held your smartphone or credit card near a reader to pay for a purchase order,” says co-author Peter Tseng [assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science]. “Our materials work on the same principle, but we’ve broadened the range dramatically.” This means that you may keep your phone in your pocket and transfer energy and data to and from your device just by brushing your body against different textiles or readers.” Read More