Durex, the condom maker, has entered the mobile world with wearable technology. It's not a smartwatch or a pair of glasses; it's actually vibrating undergarments that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. The idea is to allow "touch to be transferred over the Internet."
Durex is branding Fundawear as the "future of foreplay" and is using long-distance relationships as its target initially for Fundawear, although the product can be used by one person if desired. Durex claims Fundawear is the first product that allows touch to be felt over the Internet. Couples or singles can use the vibrating undergarments and smartphone app to touch, no matter the distance. Now there really is an app for everything!
Fundawear uses the same technology found in mobile devices to produce its vibrations: Durex has sewn in the same actuators that give mobile devices their vibrating features into its undergarments. Fundawear will be available for both women and men, and include a bra and panties for her and a pair of briefs for him. The companion smartphone app allows the undergarments to be paired with a smartphone and act as a remote control. The app's interface allows a user to control the vibrations of the underwear, as well as the intensity felt on the other end.
Durex is getting an early start in the world of wearable technology, which is an area on which companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are also focusing major attention. Research firm Gartner expects wearable tech to be a $10 billion industry by 2016. Durex might not be a huge technology company, but the company does have experience in the touch department and has spent millions on developing Fundawear.
Fundawear is not yet available for purchase, but Durex is allowing couples to use its Fundawear Facebook page to stay up to date and also enter to win "the ultimate Fundawear experience."
