The Revel Body Orb

The motor of the good old vibrator hasn't actually changed in many years.

We've experienced different shapes, textures, speeds and materials - but ultimately there are only a few options to power them into vibration.

However, we might be at the beginning of a brave new world.

A Seattle-based company, Revel Body, is working on a toy called, somewhat mysteriously, The Orb, and it's powered by something unconventional indeed: sonic vibration motors like those in toothbrushes.

You may not be too dissatisfied with your current toys (incidentally, have you used them lately? Check up on them) - but the Orb looks like it might be something special. For one, it's virtually silent.

Yes, many vibrators insist they're almost whisper-quiet, but sonic vibration is far quieter than the conventional motor, so you absolutely can't hear a thing.

For another, the company is testing all sorts of vibration frequencies - so it might be customisable beyond the current six-settings. Way beyond them, possibly.

You can change both the speed and the power - and in conventional vibrators, it's one or the other. With The Orb, it's choose-your-own-adventure.

They also use far less power, meaning they last longer, and are a lot less likely to unexpectedly conk out.

Apparently the research was prompted by a few Revel designers listening to electric toothbrush customer-care people laughing over customers using toothbrushes for "non-hygienic" purposes.

The Orb is just the start - Revel Body wants to make an entire line to revolutionise the toy industry, once they've fully tested all the motors and their possibilities.

So keep that toothbrush to the side for the moment - but don't be surprised if soon there are sonic booms.

Keen to read up on more intimate toy news?  Check out the Lady Friday archives.

Lady Friday xx

Taking the pillow talk out of the bedroom, every Friday...