- The Konnect-i features Google’s Jacquard smart fiber technology.
- You can program the left shoulder pad to access various features from your phone.
- It comes in a $199.99 Slim model and a $219.99 Standard model.
Since its introduction in 2017, Google’s Jacquard smart fiber technology has made its way into an eclectic list of products, including a Levi’s jean jacket and insoles from Adidas. Today, you can add a pair of Samsonite backpacks to that list: the $199.99 Konnect-i Slim and $219.99 Konnect-i Standard.
On the left shoulder strap of both, you’ll find touch-sensitive fibers and a Jacquard tag. The latter connects to your phone over Bluetooth. We go into more detail how you can use the Jacquard functionality in our review of the Konnect-i, but the options are pretty expansive. For example, you can program the fibers to play and pause music or activate the countdown timer in your phone’s camera app, among other possibilities. There’s also a programmable LED light for notifications and alerts.
Related: Samsonite Konnect-i Review
As for the backpacks themselves, both are made from a water-repellent polyester material with silver-colored accents that reflect light at night for safety. The shoulder straps and back are padded for comfort. Inside, you’ll find a padded laptop and tablet compartment that can store a 15.6-inch, along with a collection of different pockets to help with organization. The models differ in size and design, with the Slim version featuring vertical zippers on its front while the Standard model (pictured above) has a single horizontal zipper.
Samsonite says a single charge of the Jacquard tag will get you between 10 and 14 days of battery life, depending on much you use its functionality. Unfortunately, you’ll need to charge the tag using a micro-USB cable.
At $200 to start, the Konnect-i is an expensive backpack, but it could be a good option for those who want to look at their phone less while still getting most of its utility.
