UW Magnetic Fabric Output (IMAGE) University of Washington Caption The data also can be read by a smartphone's magnetometer, which is normally used in navigation applications, by swiping the magnetized fabric across the phone. Credit Dennis Wise/University of Washington Usage Restrictions with credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.