Long-distance romances are never easy, and even with the invention of Skype, missing out on simple gestures like holding hands can be one of the hardest barriers to overcome.
So these couples may be happy to hear that entrepreneur Frederic Petrignani from Amsterdam has stepped in and created the Frebble – a small wireless technology that mimics the sensation of someone giving you a reassuring squeeze of the hand, using a pair of two small devices.
The company hopes the Bluetooth devices will help people separated by distance feel closer to loved ones abroad. Explaining the concept behind Frebble, the company market the device as:
‘For a granddaughter calling grandma with special news, for a husband far away from a wife, for distant grown daughters who crave the comfort of their mother’s touch, for a best friend who wants to let her friend know it will all be ok, Frebble connects – as simply, subtly and as powerfully as though the person was right there with you.
‘While there are many ways to see and hear your loved ones through the power of the internet, the tactile element has been missing – until now. With Frebble, you can cut through the distance and share that smallest gesture – the squeeze of the hand – that means so much.’
The mini device is designed to fit in the hand and simulate the touch of holding and squeezing another person’s hand.
When a Frebble is squeezed by one person, the corresponding gadget will gently apply pressure to the back of a partner's hand, to simulate holding hands, wherever they may be. The device can be used for up to four hours, and will last longer on standby.
Entrepreneur Frederic Petrignani is now looking for funding for the global production of the device through
Kickstarter.
