One of the worst features of the Digital Age is that it’s easier to talk than ever, yet many people are chronically lonely. We can certainly take a closer look at our online habits, but there are a couple of other solutions.
Somewhat similar to the friendship lamps we reviewed, this bracelet makes it easier to say “hey, dear” to somebody you love without picking up the phone.
Long-Distance Touch
When you stroke it with your finger, the paired device delivers a soothing vibration to your partner’s wrist. That’s right, you can now give someone a discreet, palpable reminder of your love at any time.
This may be an example of “haptic” technology, though I don’t actually know what that word means. In case you miss the touch, though, you will see a color-coded notification on the device or its associated app, which needs to be within Bluetooth range for the whole thing to work.
Here’s a good video explaining the basics:
It also allows you to track your partner’s location, which is more than a little creepy. If you can’t trust them, spying is probably not the answer.
Several Bond Touch Vibrations
What makes this particular device our favorite, though, is the pleasant tactile sensation it produces. It’s actually pretty versatile: you could, for instance, send either a long touch to signify “hug”, or a series of brief taps to say “I’m feeling anxious”.
Thomas Edison and his wife, supposedly, had an elaborate touching code that allowed them to hold entire conversations while stuck at boring parties.
Some Minor Issues
On the downside, apart from not being the most attractive thing you can strap to your wrist, we have to mention that the company seems to be having trouble keeping up with demand and is only selling when they have enough stock.
The battery life of only a day or two is also something that could be better, while having to keep the app running in the background is a hassle. It’s also water-resistant but not actually waterproof, which means that you should probably take it off while exercising.
On balance, though, we think this is a winner. If you travel frequently or study abroad, the BondTouch is a great way to maintain a connection with a sibling, romantic partner, or what-have-you. Wearing matching rings isn’t for everyone, but every person likes to be touched.
