Predictions? Anyone?
Where did 2015 go? It already feels like a distant memory to me, so the time has come for me to give my crystal ball a good polish, and take a look at what I think we can expect from Sex Tech in 2016.
In an industry that’s ever-changing, a lot can happen in a few short months, but the one thing you can be sure of is, 2016 will have a lot of exciting and pleasurable things to offer us!
In the world of sex positivity, sexual health, and sexual wellness products, we expect certain specific changes in the sextech industry. What about changes in sex education? Will social media play a role in promoting sexual pleasure and educating people about having a healthy sex life?
1. Sex Toys
Let’s start by talking about sex toys! Consumers are expecting more, and so manufacturers can’t afford to rest on their laurels. A toy that merely vibrates isn’t enough anymore, people want sex toys they can customize, program and interact with, in different ways.
I expect we’ll see more toys controlled by apps or computers, as more manufacturers follow the trends set by trailblazing innovators. Different sensations will continue to be sought after, and new ideas will be born.
With the increase in popularity of E-Stimulation and Electro-sex, I think new ways will be found to integrate the spine-tingling technology into more mainstream designs. Sex toy designers will become bolder with their ideas and continue to push the boundaries … they’re there to be pushed through, right?
2. More for the Girls
Female’s the world over are expressing themselves and talking openly about their fantasies and desires. It’s no longer a taboo subject, thanks to ’50 Shades of Grey’ and the like. This has opened the doors for more female orientated erotica and I think we’ll continue to see this industry grow in a big way during 2016.
I’d like to see it influence the virtual reality porn industry too, with more content available for the girls! It’s not just erotica and porn though, women are becoming a much more prominent demographic when it comes to the adult industry, so we’ll see more of everything made with ladies in mind!
This will inevitably lead to a change in the way products are marketed, with things taking a less ‘smutty’ approach.
3. Virtual Reality
2015 was a huge year for VR and the adult industry, and I can see the momentum continuing to grow as this new year progresses. The technology is becoming more accessible, as VR headsets are becoming more affordable and in reach for everyone.
Mobile VR is going to continue to explode, as content becomes more readily available. By the end of 2016, I think there will be a significant increase in the number of sites offering VR porn, but I’m certain Badoink VR and Virtual Real Porn will continue to lead their field, with Kink VR snapping at their metaphoric heels.
The standard of VR porn will help its increase in popularity, as ambisonic technology is integrated to make the audio experience more immersive and realistic. So, settle down with your VR headset and watch this space!
4. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality has a huge buzz surrounding it in general, but the ears of the big chiefs in the adult industry will have picked up, and they’ll be working on ways to introduce it into their products, or even diversify somewhat because it’s going to be massive!
Microsoft Hololens and Meta Spaceglass will pave the way for AR technology to become an everyday thing for us all. It’s an amazing technology, and it would be truly criminal to not make use of it in the adult industry. Google is also reported to be relaunching their Google Glasses, which will really help rocket AR into the limelight even more.
I never dreamt, years ago, when watching Rimmer in Red Dwarf, that I’d see that very technology being implemented in my lifetime, but it’s happened, and it’s beyond awesome.
Augmented reality allows you to bring elements alive, in real-time, in your own surroundings, without shutting yourself off totally in a virtual world. Imagine the possibilities this has in the adult industry! Before long, we’ll be able to project a hologram of our loved ones, right in front of us, when physically, they could be anywhere in the world.
Long distance relationship? No problem, just beam your partner into your bedroom with augmented reality! By the end of the year, I’m confident that adult applications will be being built, to do just that, and many other exciting things with AR!
5. Sex Robots
If you’re in any way interested in the adult industry, and you’re reading this, so I’m assuming you are, you’ll have heard about sex robots. Hailed to be the leading sex tech story of 2016, sex robots are stealing the stage in a big way. It’s been inevitable for a while, but I’m sure that we’ll see a huge surge in the popularity of robots for sex by the end of the year.
Robophilia is real, and it’ll be coming to a bedroom near you very soon! Animatronic and robotic technologies are advancing at an astonishing rate, and with the technology becoming easier to produce, and much cheaper too, it’s only a matter of time before we see affordable, mainstream sex robots making their debut, and I expect to see the first ones coming to market before the end of 2016.
People will not only use robots for sex, but I expect them to forge real relationships with their new, true-to-life, perfect sex buddies. The blow-up doll has had a makeover, and she’s going to take over the world! Sex with a woman who never answers back – unless you want her too – and who will never max out your credit card … I can’t see the appeal myself.
Summary
So there we have it, 2016 in a sexy nutshell. Is Tech changing sex? We think it is.
There is no doubt in our mind, that the evolution of Sex Tech will impact the way the Adult industry conducts their business. The very way we develop our sexualities might even change. New options will give rise to new fetishes and sexual preferences. Doom thinkers may link these advancements to a chimerical increase in the number of people that become addicted to pornography.
If this year is as groundbreaking as 2015 was in many sectors, we’ll all be in for a treat. There will be some awesome additions to the sex tech industry, as we know and love it, and no doubt there will be some duff ideas and non-starters along the way too, but it’ll be fun to watch things develop and grow.
Can we expert more sex tech experts like Bryony Cole to have a bigger impact in the next few years?
It’s exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things end and predicting what 2017 will bring. It’s a fast-paced world … buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Articles you may like!
- Sex toys and virtual reality: where 2015 went wild
- Combining the Kamasutra and Sex Tech in LDRs
- Sex Toys & Intimacy: Getting Closer With Sex Tech
- The Evolving SexTech of 2016 Discussion for #SexTalkTuesday
Written by
Carnal Queen
CarnalQueen.com
Twitter.com/TheCarnalQueen
