Modified cellphone lets you hug a loved one by sending strong vibrations between smartphones

Researchers at the Helsinki Institute of Information Technology and Nokia Research have combined physical intimacy with long distance with a new technology they call “Pressages.” Favorite PSFK reports.

A prototype by Nokia Research and the Helsinki Institute of Information Technology amended an N900 to use a resistor to detect up to four different levels of pressure from compression. The recipient of the phone call receives different levels of vibration, depending on the amount of pressure applied.

According to MacNN:

The system was tested by three couples in long-distance relationships, where some used the Pressages system as a “virtual cuddle”, though a high-level squeeze and subsequently transmitted vibration was understood to be an expression of annoyance to one participating couple. Apparently other uses for the handsets were also discovered, but these were not revealed in the presentation.

Read the research report .

Related concepts:

-- SMS hugs via Mobile Phone (2005)

-- The Hug Shirt sends virtual hugs through mobile phone technology (2007)

-- 'Emotional' phones simulate hand holding, breathing and kissing (2011)

emily | 5:03 PM | Technology |
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