Where Are The Interactive Sex Toys?

When we look at the world now, one that is filled with technology, we often ask: “Where is my flying car?” or, maybe, you're asking: “Where are my interactive sex toys?” Both valid questions and I can’t answer why we don’t have flying a cars, but there is a definitive reason why we don’t have interactive sex toys.  

The North Carolina-based business RealTouch set out to create teledildonics, wearable gadgets for men and woman so they could have sex over the internet. The idea sounds pretty neat, but the company ran into quite a few problems. Back in 2008, RealTouch, which is a subsidiary of Adult Entertainment Broadcast Network, came out with its first teledildonic, a motorized sleeve that could be placed over the penis and would simulate you in rhythm with a set of specially modified movies from the AEBN collection. Thanks to the help of a small USB mini tower and power supply you could of entered into the wonderful world of interactive sex.  

Then in 2012, the company launched the JoyStick, which is like a smart phone – a smart dildo - if you will. RealTouch wanted to use this technology with webcam models who would use the JoyStick and share the silmulated sensation with the male costumer (through his device). But RealTouch ran into a couple of problems. Even though they had male and female models, the gay community didn’t seem to have much interest in this interactive sex. Many of the webcam performers left.  

The real issue of RealTouch was its licensing for the products; their licenses were set to expire in 2013. RealTouch attempted to reach an agreement, but they were denied. The owners of those haptic patents requested more money than they could afford. The real downside of this is RealTouch ended up being featured on Amazon's Betas and HBO's Sex/Now, which helped grow demand. But with no money, RealTouch had to pull out of the market. Now, they simply offer customer support to those who purchased their products. RealTouch hopes that will be able to find a backer, but the prospects are dim. It is a little hard to believe no one wants to get in on the interactive sex market.

Via: Engadget