Back in July, I wrote about a handful of companies who are combining technology & sex, allowing intimate partners to connect across long distances. One such company was Kiiroo, a small group of individuals from the Netherlands who joined forces in 2013. Despite being newcomers to the world of sex toy manufacturing, they are already generating a lot of attention — both in the press & among sex bloggers.
Why all the excitement? We are a society that is ruled by our smart phones and social media activity. Online dating is gaining in popularity, while internet pornography is accessed by millions. Although the idea of teledildonics may be “too much” for some individuals, it only seems natural to me that online masturbation would be the next step. As the use of sex toys becomes more acceptable, companies are scrambling to create innovative products that will meet this need. Kiiroo, however, is raising the bar by making their company image one of quality and elegance.
Out with the Old…
When I first wrote about Kiiroo, they were developing slightly different products: the SVir & the OPue. The basic concept was the same. The OPue vibrator was capable of interpreting speed & penetrative depth through the use of touch-sensitive technology. That information would be sent to the SVir masturbation sleeve, which would then recreate those sensations with contracting rings around the penis. This would all occur with the help of Bluetooth technology and an online chat system.
In with the New…
Although the outside of the Onyx has not undergone a lot of noticeable changes since the days of the original SVir, the inside has had some major improvements. Most notably, Kiiroo has recently partnered up with Fleshlight, makers of some of the best & most realistic male masturbation products.
The (removable) inside of the Kiiroo Onyx features 10 contracting rings that move in sequence up & down the shaft of the penis. The result is a hands-free “jerking” sensation that is meant to replicate the feeling of intercourse.
The Onyx is rechargeable, and can be used solo or connected to either a second Onyx or a Pearl.
The Pearl has changed dramatically from Kiiroo’s initial design. Unlike the hard, shiny exterior of the original OPue, the Pearl is covered in soft body-safe silicone. It also features a slight curve to increase G-spot stimulation. (I can’t help but wonder if our favorite “friendly neighborhood sex blogger” and now employee of Kiiroo, Marvy Darling, is behind these vast improvements!)
Unfortunately, the Pearl is still only capable of transmitting information to the Onyx; it is not capable of receiving information from the Onyx or a second Pearl. This is my biggest complaint with the Kiiroo concept at this point, and I’m pleased to see that creating two-way devices is part of their longterm plan.
An exciting feature of the Kiiroo Pearl is that it can be connected to multiple Onyx devices at once. This opens up a whole realm of possibilities for online cam girls and their viewers — or any online relationship/encounter with one female and multiple males.
Kiiroo has also developed their own video-chat program that serves as the connection point between devices, and is free with purchase. Video, audio, and text communication are all possible within the interface — in addition to the tactile sensations that it transmits through the use of the Onyx and/or Pearl. (There’s even a drawing feature, which makes art nerds like me very excited!)
As our sex lives become more entwined with the technology that we use, more attention to privacy protection is necessary. (Just consider the recent sex crimes against celebrities in what has been called “The Fappening.”) Thankfully, Kiiroo is taking steps to make consent an integral part of their platform.
Upon connecting to the chat program, you will be given 2 options: to generate a new & unique 6-digit passcode to share with your partner(s) or to enter in a passcode that has been created by your partner. A new code is generated for every new chat session, and each code is active for only 5 minutes. Also, once the initial connection is established, there is no outside server necessary to maintain the connection between partners. Both of these safeguards are in place to prevent hacking and interception.
Is this the start of a beautiful trend?
Although I live with my current partner, my last relationship was primarily long-distance. I remember how hard it is to try and maintain a sense of intimacy across the miles that separate you. Perhaps this is why I’m excited to see the field of teledildonics advancing so spectacularly. We’ve seen a lot of wireless sex toys hit the market this year — many with disappointing results. Is Kiiroo about to succeed where these others have failed? Will they create something truly unique and highly pleasurable? I can’t wait to find out.
Unfortunately, because these are new products that are still in the production stage, I cannot speak for how good they actually are — or aren’t. And at $149 for a Pearl, $249 for an Onyx, and $378+ for a set, the price is quite steep. However, if you would like to take the plunge and pre-order your Kiiroo products now, you can place an order through my Kiiroo affiliate link below, or with SheVibe. Delivery is expected in January 2015.
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