If you live with your partner, how do you signal that you’d like to get busy? Most of us communicate with gestures or words, but according to a couple with an interesting Kickstarter, this method is outdated. Their new method replaces words with buttons — and it raises all kinds of questions about consent.
Let’s dig in.
LoveSync makes some pretty bold promises, but this pic sums it up: it’s like a Google Home or Amazon Alexa that does nothing except communicate when somebody is horny.
You can do more in bed than just play cards.
This is earnestly communicated by the couple behind the Kickstarter, Jenn and Ryan Cmich. They’ve created a professional-looking Kickstarter for their product, along with some proofs of concept. LoveSync is clearly ready for launch.
How can you initiate sex?
Because communicating is evidently too hard, LoveSync is intended to allow you and your partner to have a fulfilling love life, all without the pesky irritation of actually communicating wants and desires.
Here we go.
Because it’s 2019 and anything that doesn’t use Micro USB, Lightning or USB-C cables is useless, the LoveSync needs to be powered by USB. Each partner gets their own device.
“I’m horny. What do I do?”
Why, you press the “I’m horny” button, of course. The idea is that the device will only alert you to anything if both partners are up for some fun.
It’s all about that swirling glow.
Once the glow is communicated, LoveSync’s job is done. They’ll “leave the rest up to you.” The button may have taken over communication in your relationship, but don’t worry — it won’t do the lovemaking. Yet.
Things get complicated.
Sex can be spontaneous, but if you’ve ever wanted it to be more tech-oriented, the LoveSync is the device for you. Just make sure the swirly light can still swirl and you’ll be fine.
Consent is a thing.
And, to their credit, Ryan and Jenn do include this feature. But some critics are saying that this isn’t enough — and say that outsourcing consent to a smart device isn’t right.
The internet is a bit weirded out.
Because consent is such an important issue, and because communicating consent is such a personal expression, some are understandably wary of a device that puts an extra step between a person and their desires.
The creators say they’re misunderstood.
They told Business Insider that they’re not trying to stop people from communicating. “We’re just trying to introduce a fun little dynamic to relationships,” said Ryan Cmich in an interview.
Society is obsessed with “smart” devices.
That’s probably the impetus behind marketing something like this. But it’s worth noting that most smart devices cost less, and are considerably smarter than this — even if they are missing that all-important swirly glow.
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Like it or not, it’s a success.
LoveSync launched its Kickstarter on February 11, and within a couple of weeks the original fundraising goal of $7,500 had been doubled. It’s set to launch at some point in 2019.
Most of the criticism is in jest.
Most reactions seem to simply poke fun at the device for being the answer to a question that nobody’s ever had. But no does mean no, and most couples probably feel weird about outsourcing this stuff to a machine.
Here’s what they cost.
Again, you could get an Alexa or Google Home for less. LoveSync automatically comes with two devices, but you can order in four packs too, just in case you live in a really interesting household.
What do you think?
I’ve pretty much made fun of this the whole time, but what do you think? Is this thing useful, useless or troubling? Would you feel comfortable using it with your partner? Let us know in the comments!