LOS ANGELES, Jul 20 — Technology means that distance is no longer a barrier to keeping in touch with your loved ones, but sometimes it’s the simplest physical gestures which are the most powerful.
It is for this reason that budding entrepreneur Frederic Petrignani has created “Frebble”, a wireless device which lets you virtually “squeeze” your friends and family’s hands from anywhere in the world.
The hand-held design works by applying gentle pressure to the hand of your loved one when you squeeze your own Frebble.
It features two pressure sensors, two vibration motors and a “squeeze bar” to recreate the feeling of having your hand squeezed.
Users can see which of their friends and family are online via the Frebble website in order to combine the “hand holding” with Skype or video chatting to enhance the experience.
Petrignani was inspired to design Frebble as a student when discussing how good it would be to be able to physically connect with friends and family over the internet.
The concept follows similar initiatives for physical contact with loved ones across the internet, including TapTap, a bracelet which sends “thinking of you” vibrations, and Kissenger, which transmits and receives kisses from the other side of the globe.
Currently listed on crowdfunding website Kickstarter, the first Frebbles are expected to ship in October. — AFP Relaxnews
