While modern communication allows us to write, hear and even see each other pretty much anywhere we want, the ability to touch each other is still absent. Bond is a two part device, a bracelet or pendant, that connects two geographically distant people. With a quick touch, one person can send the other an instant tickle instead of a tweet. Connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, Bond transmits 'touches' from one to five seconds long through the phone it is connected to. The length of the touch is symbolised by different colours and swipes will be sent as rainbow tickles.

The creators of Bond, Kwamecorp, are planning to extend the device's reach beyond single person to person contact; and potentially develop a network linked to maps so users can leave tickles and sensations to be 'collected' at specific locations.

Other applications, such as the Touch Room have already put focus on the more tangible aspects of virtual communication, and raised questions as to the potential of mobile, tactile technology.