A Chinese startup has introduced a rubber mouth-shaped device designed for long-distance kissing, called the MUA, as reported by Reuters through agency coverage.
The inventor, Zhao Jianbo, explained that a prior relationship left him unable to meet his partner during a strict quarantine, a situation that inspired the creation of the device.
The MUA is described as a system that transmits kisses remotely while gathering data via motion sensors embedded in the rubber lips. The information travels to a paired smartphone app, where it is processed and then delivered to another user who can reproduce the kiss with the same device.
Jianbao notes that the name MUA mimics the sound of an air kiss. Beyond recording touches and movements, the device also emits accompanying sounds and can generate gentle heat to enhance realism. In China, the MUA is priced at 260 yuan, which is roughly 2,900 rubles at current exchange rates.
Reaction to the device from early users is mixed. Some testers praised the experience of remote kissing, while others described the device as an uncanny stand-in for real affection that can feel unsettling to witness.
A veteran technology writer who has covered wearable haptics commented on the broader context, noting that tactile suits and similar gear are increasingly explored for immersive media and social interaction. The conversation around such devices often centers on the balance between novelty, intimacy, and privacy in a digital era where physical contact can be mediated by sensors and networks.
In related tech coverage, industry observers point to the evolving landscape of remote communication tools, including haptic accessories that aim to translate physical sensations across distances. As these products enter wider markets, questions about data handling, user consent, and cultural acceptance remain prominent among consumers in North America and beyond.