The kissing device, was advertised as a way to let long-distance couples share “real” physical intimacy which is equipped with pressure sensors and actuators. The device is said to be able to mimic a real kiss by replicating the pressure, movement and temperature of a user’s lips and transmit the sound the user makes.
However, while many social media users saw a funny side to the device, others criticized it as “vulgar” and “creepy.” Some voiced concerns that minors could buy and use it.
“I don’t understand (the device) but I’m utterly shocked,” said one top comment on Weibo.
Users can also “upload” their smooches in the app for others to download and experience.
On To send a kiss, users need to download a mobile phone app and plug the device into their phone’s charging port. After pairing with their partners in the app, couples can start a video call and transmit replicas of their smooches to each other.
“In my university, I was in a long distance relationship with my girlfriend so we only had contact with each other through the phone. That’s where the inspiration of this device originated,” Jiang Zhongli, the leading inventor of the design, was cited as saying by the Global Times.
While advertised for long-distance relationships, the Chinese device also allows users to pair up anonymously with strangers in the “kissing square” function of the app. If two strangers match successfully and like each other, they can ask to exchange kisses.
