VIRP: A gimmicky luxury members can’t afford?

At the end of January, CamSoda announced their partnership with RealDoll to offer an unprecedented adult entertainment experience nicknamed VIRP, Virtual Intercourse with Real People. The tech behind this breakthrough project touts almost sci-fi levels of adult interaction.

This is how it claims to work:

The viewer selects a VIRP-enabled cam model from CamSoda’s site. The chosen performer will then use a teledildonic-enabled vibrator, which connects to the viewer’s Lovense masturbation sleeve via a Wi-Fi connection. The sleeve then mimics the pressure data received from the vibrator, allowing the viewer to feel the sensation of intercourse with the performer.

CamSoda have taken this already established tech and added some additional va-voom. With VIRP, users can place a sleeve into a life size RealDoll. Compliment a VR cam shows with this ability on the user’s end, and you have the ultimate immersive experience.

CamSoda launches 'VIRP' https://t.co/MXCTqxpk1Y @HighSpeedMag #CamSoda #DeaqonJames #Image #RealDoll #Sex #VIRP pic.twitter.com/qVUmPox9dh

— High Speed Magazine (@HighSpeedMag) January 24, 2018

“What the fuck? Oh my gosh…” — Reactions are mixed

Public reception to the announcement of VIRP has been mixed. There is an obvious financial implication to such an ambitious project. The RealDolls used to complete the VIRP experience can retail for $10,000 and upward for full customisation — although for a slightly less painful $1,500 you can get yourself a torso instead. Even the Lovense Max masturbator costs $99, making VIRP an extremely pricey way to entertain yourself.

CamSoda told The Verge that only approximately 30 percent of the 300-odd models on their site have the equipment needed to participate in the VIRP experience. They feel there is demand for this kind of fully immersive experience.

“We know there is an audience because we hear it from our users and models. They are seeking ways to get closer and have more physical interaction,” a CamSoda representative told The Verge. “We’ve had a number of employees, beta users, and models try out the experience. All of them were blown away by the interactive capabilities.”

Although the tech behind VIRP is amazing, I can’t help but wonder about the future. As technology comes between more and more human interactions, it makes it easier to isolate ourselves physically and fully. Concerns about this have been voiced around the internet.

“[O]ne might wonder if members of humanity might not be better served by simply going out on dates and eventually entering into monogamous or semi-monogamous relationships with each other,” TechCrunch reflected. “That said, VIRP does let you wear a sweet VR helmet.”

What do models think?

When considering weigh-ins, it’s important to consider what models think of VIRP. We asked Devon Breeze and Raegan James what they thought about the project?

“I think there is a small market for the kind of gentleman that already uses sex dolls. Not everyone would use a sex doll but curiosity (for VIRP) would probably make them want to try,” Breeze shared.

“It’s nothing more than a sex toy really, like buying a vibrator. Nothing can replace real human interaction. I’d certainly give it a go, if I enjoyed the experience then I’d consider doing it more,” she added.

So who’s coming to get warm with me today. pic.twitter.com/2peDZH2QbN

— Devon Breeze? (@DevonBreeze) February 28, 2018

James thought the concept of VIRPing was very exciting.

“I think fans are after that something more now, a more personal connection with their favorite model,” she speculated. “Now they can get this without the need of having to physically meet. If it was something I thought would be of interest to those who attend my shows or who want a more personal one to one service, then yes I would do VIRP.”

So, an interesting, if not elaborate, up-scale to exiting practices – but what might future implications include?

Breeze was worried about the level of detachment from reality VIRP offers.

“It is costly, and I think apart from people just wanting to see what its like — myself included — it’s a niche market,” she shared. “My main concern would be the viewers being so immersed with the tech and the doll that they forget it’s a real person on the other end. I think people using it may already have intimacy issues. It shouldn’t be a replacement for human contact.”

James felt the cost was going to be a problem for VIRP becoming mainstream.

“I think it will be slow to uptake. Obviously both parties must spend out on equipment beforehand. [We] will probably also see a rise in the cost of shows,” she speculated.

“Tech advances are a good step forward, however I sit on the fence as to whether they stick around,” she added. “There’s been many ideas that seem great at the time but have never taken off due to lack of uptake. Cost is a big issue.”

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/iyHkigpNug

— Raegan James ? (@Hot_Raegan) February 26, 2018

We shall see…

The tech behind VIRPing seems amazing, almost science fiction-level. But, for me, this feels like a gimmick.

Very few “ordinary” people will be able to afford the outlay for the full experience, although I do think the scaled down version is much more reasonable. I will be watching the developments at CamSoda with much interest.

Editor’s note: Seymour reached out to CamSoda, RealDoll and Lovense for comments regarding VIRP but did not hear back by publication time.

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Katy Seymour is a super-sex-positive writer in the U.K. who believes kink is life. Email her at katy@ynotcam.com.

Image via johnny maroun.