Intimate mobiles: grasping, kissing and whispering as a means of telecommunication in mobile phones

In this paper, we explore how direct physical cues of interpersonal nearness can be achieved in mobile phones. Exemplarily, we present three novel means of communication for mobile phones: grasping, kissing and whispering. Reviewing the related work, we point to a research gap in direct physical near-body actuation in mobile telecommunication. To assess this gap, we present three prototypes that implement the proposed novel means of communication. We present initial user comments on the prototypes, which point to acceptance issues. We conclude in a set of research questions for future explorations in this field.