A new messaging device called the Kissenger is taking video conferencing to the next level by giving users the ability to send a kiss over the internet. The two-way device will allow users to send as well as receive kisses, which are simulated on the kiss pad on the device. The Kissenger is the project of researchers from London and Japan who work on haptic systems which are increasing in popularity due to the integration potential with current virtual and augmented reality technologies. Haptics deepen the immersion level in VR/AR but researchers are also finding ways to make use of these in a more real-world, tactile situation.
The Kissenger’s kiss pad is a large silicon lip that has high precision force sensors underneath. The force data collected on the kiss pad is sent to a docked phone on the device which is running the Kissenger app in video chat mode. On the receiving end of the kiss, miniature linear actuators reproduce the received data on the second Kissenger device and does so in real time as long as the internet connection is fast enough. For now, the device is in the working prototype stage and only supports iOS devices with the researchers planning to perform lab tests to explore more “hedonistic” aspects of the device and its further potential.
A terribly cringe-inducing punny name for a product.