Have you ever wished you had something to remember all your passwords for you? Some sort of object you could carry around that could contain a unique password you could use to access doors, software, or anything else you want. One group of researchers has taken a significant step toward that goal by creating fabric that can permanently store information in the threads.

The researchers, from the University of Washington, used fabric made of conductive thread, which is thread that can carry an electric charge. By exploiting the properties of this thread, the researchers were able to magnetize small sections of fabric. These sections can be read by any standard magnetometer, even the one built into most smartphones.

The researchers use this property to code strings of digits into bracelets and shirtsleeves, and while these strings of digits are pretty short right now, in the near future they could be long enough to secure your digital valuables with. This means you could wear a bracelet that unlocks your bank or email account, in a similar but more secure version of today's two-factor authentication.

Magnetic fabric could also be used in combination with your smartphone's magnetometer to turn certain gestures into actions. For instance, wearing a magnetic glove and tapping or swiping near the magnetometer could open or close apps, unlock your phone, or pause your music. And because magnetic fields pass through clothing, you could use these gestures even when your phone is in your pocket.

Of course, the downside is that you'd need customized fabric made of conducting thread, which would be expensive and probably not fashionable. But for people who want to unlock their accounts with a piece of clothing, science might soon have a solution.

Source: Popular Mechanics, Quartz