# Assisted Long-Distance Couples embrace international relationships with the help of technology. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Oct 8, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/long-distance-affection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Assisted Long-Distance trend? **Assisted Long-Distance:** Moving beyond Skype and phone calls for connecting, couples are utilizing innovative tools to stay connected while apart. Highlighting instantaneous and interactive features, this shift sees technology create and improve connections, not diminish them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 4 to Oct 8, 2014 - Published: Oct 8, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Assisted Long-Distance trend ### Virtual Intimacy Devices Opportunities lie ahead in developing and commercializing intuitive, versatile and accessible sex toys that enhance intimacy for people in long-distance relationships. ### Long-Distance Sensory Apps Developing applications that exploit the capability of tactile technology to generate sensory inputs to transmit real-time body sensations suggests endless potential for creating technologies that address the physical elements of intimacy in long-distance relationships. ### Connected Couple Messaging Apps Exciting possibilities exist in developing couple-based messaging, phone, and video apps that are dedicated to only two people for enhancing relationships. ## What the Assisted Long-Distance trend means for industry ### For Sex Toy Companies manufacturing sex and pleasure toys could explore improving and developing advanced sex toys that enhance intimacy for people in long-distance relationships. ### For Communication App Startups developing communication apps for couples can design apps that create and foster intimacy between two people. ### For Toy and Gadget Toy and gadget companies could rethink their product lines and focus on developing toys that are emotionally responsive and bridge the gap between loved ones living apart. ## Trend signals for Assisted Long-Distance Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 29%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 29% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Assisted Long-Distance trend 5 featured examples from Feb 4 to Oct 8, 2014. - [Live Activity Love Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/long-distance-couples): The Couple Map Shows Where and When Long Distance Couples Communicate (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build messaging apps with features tailored to the unique needs of long distance couples, including privacy, virtual experiences, and enhanced c… - [Long Distance Sensory Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiiroo-app): The Kiiroo App Allows for Long-Distance Sensual Connections (Category: Naughty) Implication: The sex toy industry is growing and actively seeking new innovations, making it an attractive market for entrepreneurs and investors. - [Hug-Sending Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connect-long-distance): Ariel Cotton's Distance Dolls Help People Connect Long Distance (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunities for innovation in the toy industry for developing interactive and sensory toys. - [Virtual Remote Intimacy Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lovepalz-virtual-pleasure-inducers): LovePalz Toys Enhance Virtual Intimacy (Category: Naughty) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expand the adult toy industry by developing innovative and technologically advanced products that cater to different desires and preferences. - [Couples Messaging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/app-for-couples): The Couple App for Couples Provides a Dedicated Network for Two (Category: Tech) Implication: The success of apps like Couple suggests a growing market for dedicated messaging platforms, paving the way for new entrants and innovative offerings in the messaging app industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)