BALLANTINE’S UNVEILS DIGITAL REVOLUTION WITH TSHIRTOS 2.0 – Scotch Whisky News
BALLANTINE’S UNVEILS DIGITAL REVOLUTION WITH TSHIRTOS 2.0
tshirtOS 2.0 revealed to global audience at Pernod Ricard Innovation Day
A video* of tshirtOS 2.0 in operation can be viewed here
Ballantine’s, the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, today unveiled tshirtOS 2.0 – the world’s first scrunchable and washable digital t-shirt which allows wearers to display text of their choice and animation in real time – to the world’s media at the second edition of Pernod Ricard’s “Innovation Day” event in Paris, France.
Representing one of the most advanced pieces of apparel-focused wearable technology available today, tshirtOS 2.0 is an illuminated blank canvas – an innovative approach to using technology for the purpose of self-expression and to show the world the ‘True You’, abiding by the Ballantine’s mantra of ‘Stay True’. It has been designed to allow individuals to create their own designs and express their true thoughts without relying on the statements of others, displaying their creations via the shirt’s in-built LED technology.
tshirtOS 2.0 is a revolution in design on the prototype innovated by Ballantine’s and Cute Circuit in 2012. Created with the latest in micro-technology by leading wearable technology experts SWITCH – a San Francisco based fashion technology company, tshirtOS 2.0 is lightweight and made with fine cotton modal for a soft touch. It is also hand-washable and can be scrunched, folded and even withstand spillages without affecting its use – making it usable in real life scenarios.
A mobile application which functions as a bridge between the t-shirt and the internet controls the in-built operating system (OS), allowing the user to send and receive data and to control content displayed on the t-shirt. An initial run of 20 units has been manufactured and will be showcased in key Ballantine’s markets around the world in the coming months.
Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, commented: “tshirtOS 2.0 represents a truly innovative way for consumers to express themselves and answer Ballantine’s invitation to ‘Stay True’, by literally creating and then wearing an expression of themselves on their chest. Wearable technology is going to be one of the key trends of 2014, and we can’t wait to give Ballantine’s fans around the world the chance to see and experience tshirtOS 2.0 for themselves.”
Alison Lewis, Founder of SWITCH and co-creator of tshirtOS 2.0, added: “tshirtOS 2.0 is a whole new way for people to create, share and express themselves through fashion. It’s soft, feels great on and is completely undetectable as technology. We are very pleased to be working with Ballantine’s on such a magical and inspirational product.”
More details on tshirtOS 2.0 will be released in the coming months via tshirtOS.com and at @tshirtOS.
Notes:
* Video shown is of a tshirtOS 2.0 test unit
About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No. 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky by volume, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
About SWITCH
SWITCH is a fashion technology company who builds elegant, connected clothing and accessories. Founded by Alison Lewis in 2012, SWITCH is built upon the principles that fashion is the function and craftsmanship with quality materials amplifies and improves our human experiences.
