Mobile devices have made the world a much smaller place, and one app is making it possible for iPhones to send tactile thoughts to friends thousands of miles away.
Hug, a new iOS app, makes it possible to feel emoji by placing your phone next to your heart.
Built by two former Google engineers, the application lets you select an emoji and send a “hug,” which is a series of vibrations in a set amount of time.
The app uses your device’s proximity sensor and is activated when you hold your phone up to your heart. It will start vibrating so you know it’s picking up a “hug” and when you bring your phone down, you simply pick an emoji that describes your feelings. Options include things like “party,” “happy,” or “sad.” You attach your “hug” to it, and send away.
To receive a hug, you just hold your phone up to your heart and feel the vibrations.
Hug App
The application says that a hug can lead to a boost of oxytocin and make you feel happier and experience positive physiological reactions. While this might be true for actual human physical interaction in the form of someone wrapping his or her arms around you, there’s no concrete data to back up the claims that this vibrating app can actually make you feel better.
That said, after sending a few hugs to colleagues and friends, I see the appeal. It’s nice to be reminded that someone is thinking of you, even if it’s just for a few short vibrations.
The app is available on iOS, but if you’re interested in Hug for an Android device, you can sign up to get more information on the app’s website.
H/T PSFK | Photo via Hug
