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For those of us embracing the Internet of Things and living a connected life, there are many areas of day-to-day existence where technology has attempted to make our lives more convenient, faster, smarter – and even more pleasurable. Which brings us to this particular consumer test. The adult sex aid industry has woken up to the importance of IoT, and is now making sex toys that can be operated remotely via the web. So – never wanting to be labeled as prudish, strait-laced or prissy – we thought we’d try them out and see if they rocked our world.
****: With smartphone compatibility, USB charging and quiet operation, the promises made by the latest pleasure devices are more enticing than ever. So WIRED called in the best-connected designs and asked "Jenny and Pete" to test them and share their feedback. For each sex toy, we asked our couple to comment on ease of setup, how discreet they were to use and what features they enjoyed. They took into account the operating range, charge time and noise level (measured using the Decibel 10th app) and gave each one a rating out of ten.
Our tester, "Jenny", thought this wearable device a little bulky compared to the others on test, but it was smooth and comfortable, and the five vibration modes "packed a satisfying punch". "Pete enjoyed surprising me with vibration patterns that were synced with our music library."
- Operating range via app: 10 metres via Bluetooth; unlimited via Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 3.6cm x 2.4cm x 8.0cm
- Noise level: 52dB
- Charge time: One hour for up to two hours' use
- Waterproof? Yes
Score: 9/10Price: $119
This smart vibrator has six motors built into its flexible body, so it can easily adapt its shape to suit your mood. "I liked the four manual settings on this design, which could be adapted depending on the intensity I wanted," says "Jenny". "It was also notably quick and easy to connect to the app - a simple tap and you were ready to go. The vibration could then be wirelessly changed between six settings, from a fast 'magic edge' to a slow 'pleasure wave'. There are no written directions, so it took a while to work out how to turn it off."
- Operating range via app: Up to 30 metres via Bluetooth, unlimited via Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 21.6cm x 4cm x 3.5cm
- Noise level: 45dB
- Charge time: One hour for up to two hours' use
- Waterproof? Yes
Score: 6/10Price: £129
With its external clitoral stimulator, internal G-spot stimulator and C-shaped design, the We-Vibe impressed "Jenny". "It could be worn during sex so Pete could benefit from the vibration modes, too," she says. "The preset vibrations were a little intense, but a great feature on the app is you can vibe along to a song's rhythm."
- Operating range via app: Three metres via Bluetooth, unlimited via Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 7.5cm x 4.2cm x 3.1cm
- Noise level: 50dB
- Charge time: Two hours for up to 90 minutes' use
- Waterproof? Yes
Score: 9/10Price: From £170
The contraction and vibration settings on this male masturbator can be controlled manually and via an app. "It's not exactly discreet in size, and was noisy in use," says "Pete". "It has a range of settings to contract and vibrate the inner sleeve, which is soft and rubbery and does feel 'skin like'. You could also adjust the suction by covering or uncovering the air vent." The design is also compatible with the Body Chat app. "You can communicate via the in-app video," he notes, "which may be a good option for long-distance relationships."
- Operating range via app: Up to ten metres via Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 23cm x 6cm
- Noise level: 77dB
- Charge time: Two hours for up to two hours' use
- Waterproof? No
Score: 5/10Price: £99
This smart massager will fit inside your underwear and operate on demand via a smartphone app. "Once synced, you can control the vibrations using preprogrammed settings or personalise it to design your own rhythms," says "Jenny". "You can also send an invitation to your partner to let them control the device, which makes it more exciting to use." She thought the design to be discreet, but found the casing awkward to walk around with. "Once you have set up a private or public profile, you can link to other users on the app and control their devices - if they're permitted."
- Operating range via app: 8m via Bluetooth, unlimited via Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 9.5cm x 4.4cm x 1.3cm
- Noise level: 62dB
- Charge time: Two hours for one hour of use
- Waterproof? No
Score: 7/10Price: $129
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
