What comes to mind when you hear the words “teledildonics” or “computer-controlled sex toys?”

As I (regretfully) browsed the comment sections of various videos and online articles this week, I couldn’t help but notice a stigma associated with desperate and lonely computer geeks. It surprises me that in a culture where almost everyone owns a smartphone, is constantly connected to social media platforms, and increasingly communicates via electronic devices, many people still have negative reactions to the merging of technology & sex.

As someone who was in a long-distance relationship for a few years, I can most certainly understand the intimate allure of these toys. And as someone who sees cybersex as a physically and emotionally safe way to express & experience one’s sexuality, I appreciate the technological advancements. I am very excited about these new possibilities, and I hope that after learning about a few of the most impressive products, you will be too!

OhMiBod

OhMiBod has been in the business of technology-focused sex toys since they first launched their music vibrators, which vibrate to the music of a connected mp3 player. They went on to add this unique sound-interaction capability to wireless, wearable, remote-controlled vibrators ideal for club or concert environments. Now, moving into the era of smart phones, they have released blueMotion — wearable vibrators that are controlled with the use of a specially made Bluetooth application. The blueMotion vibrator is primarily made for vulva-owners, and only offers one-way technological communication. However, this can still add a large degree of intimacy for long-distance lovers… or simply a bit of secretive, risqué fun for those who crave a little exhibitionism in their sex life.

Vibease

Vibease is another wearable, Bluetooth app-controlled vibrator made for sending one-way pleasure. With Vibease’s Intimate app, your partner will be in control of the vibrations that you receive from anywhere in the world — near or far. However, Vibease is created with solo masturbation in mind as well. With their Fantasy application, you can use your smartphone to select and listen to erotica while the vibrations increase according to the story. (If you’re a writer, you may be interested to know that you can even create your own fantasies for others to use.) Vibease has not been released yet, but they are taking pre-orders that are scheduled to be shipped by September 2014.

Kiiroo

If you’re wondering where the technologically advanced & connective masturbation sleeves are, Kiiroo is your answer. Although they plan to eventually make this a two-way experience, currently the OPue vibrator is only capable of sending information. The SVir masturbation sleeve, however, can send and receive, as it can be paired with a second SVir. (Two OPues are not currently compatible.) The Kiiroo products work by using special touch rings that convey speed and penetrative depth, translating and sending the information to the contracting rings inside the corresponding SVir/s. (One OPue can be connected to multiple SVir units, which is quite beneficial for online sex work.) The connectivity options with the Kiiroo are pretty impressive. Not only are they creating their own social network, the toys will also be usable with Skype, FaceTime, and simple Bluetooth capability. Pre-orders are currently being accepted for eventual 2014 delivery.

Lovense

Lovense, a company that first introduced a Skype compatible vibrator in 2009, is currently on their 3rd generation of toys — Max & Nora, a completely bidirectional pair. (Not only can Max & Nora connect with each other, but two Max units and two Nora units are also compatible.) The Max masturbation sleeve uses vibrations and air pump technology to create stimulating pressure while the Nora vibrator is of the popular “rabbit” style, using both vibration and rotation. Although the toys interpret your thrusting motions, they do not recreate those motions for your partner. Rather, as one partner’s intensity or speed increases, Lovense increases the unique stimulating activity of the other toy (vibrating, rotating, squeezing). One partner can also use the Lovense Bluetooth application to control the other’s toy without connecting their own. They’ve even released a new “Record & Playback” feature, allowing you to save both the stimulation patterns and voice of your partner for your future masturbation needs.

Fundawear

Honestly, although Fundawear is much more tame than many other emerging products, it’s one that I am most excited about. The brain child of Durex Australia, Fundawear is a line of lingerie/undergarments that transmit the sensation of touch via a smartphone application, using the same technology that sends physical feedback to your fingers when using a touchscreen device. Your partner is able to control where you feel their electronic touch and the intensity. The fact that this is more of an intimate experience than a purely sexual one is what intrigues me the most. Durex appears to still be in the early stages of this product line, but you can get more information at Wearable Experiments.

Have you ever used a sex toy that connected with a partner via computer technology? Would you? I want to hear your experiences and opinions!