Couples embrace international relationships with the help of technology
Implications - Moving beyond Skype and phone calls for connecting, couples are utilizing innovative tools to stay connected while apart. Highlighting instantaneous and interactive features, this shift sees technology create and improve connections, not diminish them.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Intimacy Devices - Opportunities lie ahead in developing and commercializing intuitive, versatile and accessible sex toys that enhance intimacy for people in long-distance relationships.
2. Long-distance Sensory Apps - Developing applications that exploit the capability of tactile technology to generate sensory inputs to transmit real-time body sensations suggests endless potential for creating technologies that address the physical elements of intimacy in long-distance relationships.
3. Connected Couple Messaging Apps - Exciting possibilities exist in developing couple-based messaging, phone, and video apps that are dedicated to only two people for enhancing relationships.
Industry Implications
1. Sex Toy - Companies manufacturing sex and pleasure toys could explore improving and developing advanced sex toys that enhance intimacy for people in long-distance relationships.
2. Communication App - Startups developing communication apps for couples can design apps that create and foster intimacy between two people.
3. Toy and Gadget - Toy and gadget companies could rethink their product lines and focus on developing toys that are emotionally responsive and bridge the gap between loved ones living apart.
