app controlled vibe Archives

[Toy Review] Lovense Domi 2

Published on October 24, 2020November 3, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

You might remember that I recently reviewed the Lovense Lush and was generally underwhelmed. Well, I was surprised (and impressed) when the good folks at Lovense reached out and suggested a different product I might get on better with, and offered to send me one to try. And that’s how I’m bringing you today’s review of the Lovense Domi 2.

Lovense Domi: Closer Look

The Lovense Domi 2 is an app-controlled mini wand vibrator. It is 9.5″ in total length, with a plastic body and a head coated in body-safe silicone. The Domi 2 is black with a silver band towards the top of the handle:

The Domi 2 is splashproof but not fully waterproof. It is USB rechargeable. A full charge takes around 2 hours and I got a respectable 2 hours of battery life out of it.

App functionality

The app functionality offered by Lovense’s toys is truly next level. I have never tested a sex toy smartphone app that was even half this good.

The Lovense Remote app is free to download and compatible with iOS (9.0 and later,) and Android (4.3 and later). There’s also a Mac version, and a Windows PC version. You’ll need a special Lovense USB Bluetooth Adaptor if you want to use the latter.

When I reviewed the Lush, I noted that it was clearly a toy designed with app-first usage in mind. Without the app, its user interface is rather limited. However, the same cannot be said for the Domi 2. While the Lush is a toy that really requires the app, the Domi 2 is a great toy in and of itself and the app just adds some extra bonus features. That’s how it should be, in my mind. Not everyone wants to hold their phone while they’re wanking!

When you download the app, you’ll need to set up a free account, switch on your Bluetooth, and click the link symbol in the top right corner to connect your toy. The Domi 2 connected in less than two seconds and maintained a steady and reliable connection throughout use.

Once you’ve connected your toy, you’ll find several fun options:

The “Remote” control panel allows you to change the vibration speed with a simple finger swipe. You can also use the “loop” feature to create your own patterns.
In “My Patterns,” you can find pre-installed vibration patterns. This is also where you can create and save your own custom settings.
“Alarm” lets you schedule the toy to start vibrating at a specific time. This has significantly fewer applications with a toy like a wand as opposed to an insertable, but I’m sure some creative kinksters could come up with a fun way to use it.
“Sound” makes the toy respond to nearby sounds such as talking, music, and so on. Fair warning: it’s very very responsive. On the higher sensitivity setting, it was picking up the faint sound of my partner talking on the phone at the other end of the house. So you might want to turn the sensitivity level down a bit. I’m really into the D/s potential of this function. A Dom making my vibe react with just their voice? Yes please! Another fun idea: watch porn and sync the toy with the sounds!
“Music” syncs the vibrations along with music files uploaded to your device, or linked through a streaming service like Spotify.

Without the app, the Domi 2 features a simple 3-button interface to change the speeds and flick through the pre-installed patterns.

Sex and social distancing

Not able to get it on in person right now? Never fear, Lovense has got you covered…

Play from anywhere in the world

In a Long Distance relationship or currently apart? Use the “Long Distance” tab in your Lovense app to hand over control of your toy to your partner. They’ll also need a free account and you’ll need to add each other with your usernames.

Connectivity is fast, reliable, and holds steady as long as you are both in an area with a good internet connection.

If your partner doesn’t want to set up an account or you’re playing with a new person and just trying things out, you can create a limited-time “control link” and send it to them. You can specify the length of time it lasts – a few seconds up to an hour. Every link is one use only and will expire if not used within 30 minutes. You can end the session any time – just press “back” on the app.

Camsite capability

All Lovense toys feature a unique connectivity with cam sites. As far as I know, this is a first. If you perform on sites such as Chaturbate, MyFreeCams, Manyvids, or many others, you can hook up your Domi 2 and create tip-based responses. This lets your fans “control” your vibe based on the tips they send you.

Got a particularly generous tipper? If you wish, you can hand over control to them using the control link function we discussed a moment ago.

As I’m not a cam performer, I have not tested this functionality myself. However, I have watched clips of performers using it (the things I do for research!) Reviews are generally very positive.

Knock-your-socks-off power

Where the Lush fell down is where the Lovense Domi 2 really comes into its own. I cannot believe the power this thing is packing! It’s not only extraordinarily powerful, it’s also rumbly as fuck. I might go as far as to say this is the rumbliest toy I’ve ever used.

It doesn’t have quite the pure power of a mains powered wand (though honestly it’s not far off.) But as far as rumbles go? This is incredible.

My Domi 2 has been within easy reach of my bed ever since I got it. When I want a toy that gives me deep, satisfying clitoral orgasms in record time, this is the one. When I’m already very turned on, I don’t even need to hold it directly against my clit. Pressing it into the side of my vulva or top of my pubic mound is enough.

Final thoughts

I have seriously no idea how the Domi 2 only has 3.5 stars out of 5 on Lovehoney. This thing is FUCKING INCREDIBLE. (I also don’t know why everyone raves about the Lush so much when the Domi is very clearly the superior toy.)

The Lovense Domi 2 is on the pricey side, retailing for £139.99 at Lovehoney. Is it worth it? My verdict: fuck yes.

Thanks to Lovense for sending me this product to review! All views, as always, are my own. Affiliate links appear within this post.

[Toy Review] Lovense Lush 2

Published on September 20, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

To say I was excited to get my hands on the Lovense Lush 2 would be an understatement. Lovense toys have a reputation that precedes them, and I’ve never been able to get one for review before.

So let’s dive in and find out what I thought of the Lovense Lush 2, shall we?

Lovense Lush 2

The Lush 2 by Lovense is a rechargeable, app-controlled “love egg” style vibrator.

It is 8 inches long, of which about 3.5 inches are intertable. The rest is a long, flexible tail. The Lush 2 is made of body-safe silicone in a ridiculously bright, obnoxious shade of pink.

It’s described as a “love egg” vibrator, but the main body isn’t really quite egg shaped. Instead it has a bulge on one side, which I guess is supposed to hit the G-spot. The body and tail shape kinda makes me think of a sperm! Here’s what it looks like:

On my body, the main head of the toy really isn’t long enough or the right shape to hit my G-spot with any degree of precision. Given this and the that I’m not a big fan of internal vibrations, I was more inclined to use it as a clitoral vibrator.

This toy is fully waterproof, and rechargeable via a USB cable (you get around 2.5 hours of use for a 2 hour charge).

App Functionality

Perhaps the biggest appeal of Lovense’s toys is their superior app functionality. Having thoroughly tested my Lush 2 with the Lovense app, I can confirm that it’s by far the best sex toy remote control app I’ve ever used.

This is absolutely a toy that was designed with app-first usage in mind. Without the app, the interface is a single button (located on the end of the tail) that you use to scroll one way through the three constant vibration speeds and four inbuilt patterns.

The Lovense Remote app is free to download and compatible with iOS 9.0 and later, and Android 4.3 and later. There’s also a Mac version, and a Windows PC version (though you need a special Lovense USB Bluetooth Adaptor for the latter).

You’ll need to set up a free account to use the app, which takes a couple of minutes. Then you switch on your Bluetooth and click the link symbol in the top right corner to connect your toy. Unlike other app-based toys I’ve used, my Lush 2 connected in a couple of seconds. The connection is steady and reliable.

Once you’ve connected your toy to the app, you have a number of different options. You can use the “Remote” control panel to change the vibration speed with the swipe of a finger, or create your own repeating pattern using the “loop” feature. In “My Patterns,” you can find the pre-installed vibration patterns and also create and save your own.

The other cool app options include:

“Alarm”, wherein you can schedule the toy to start vibrating at a specific time. (Yes I tested it, and yes it works). I mean, the idea of waking up with this thing buzzing away inside me is not my idea of fun, but some people might enjoy it!
“Sound” makes the toy sound-responsive. You can talk at it, play music, or even just tap gently on something nearby and the Lush 2 will vibrate in time with it. It’s EXTREMELY responsive – at the top sensitivity setting, it was picking up traffic noise from the end of my street and responding to that. So you might want to turn the sensitivity level down a bit. This function has some particularly interesting D/s potential. I have to admit the idea of a Dom making my vibe react with just their voice is hot as fuck. You could even watch porn and sync the toy with the performers’ sounds!
“Music”, which allows you to sync the vibrations along with music. You can use music files uploaded to your device, or link your app with streaming services like Spotify.

Long-distance functions

You can hand over control of your Lovense Lush 2 to your partner using the “Long Distance” tab. For privacy reasons, you can’t search by email address, so your partner will need to set up an account so you can add one another by username.

Again, the connectivity is quick and simple, and remains steady as long as you both have Bluetooth and a stable internet connection.

You can also create a limited-time “control link”, allowing you to hand over control for a specified amount of time from a few seconds up to 60 minutes. Every link is unique, for one-time use only, and expires if not used within 30 minutes. You can end the session any time by simply pressing “back” on the app.

Lovense provides a useful how-to guide to help you set up.

Cam site connection

The Lovense Lush 2 boasts the ability to connect with cam sites, which I haven’t seen from any other sex toy companies. Cam models and performers can sync any Lush toy with numerous cam sites including Chaturbate, Manyvids, MyFreeCams, and more. You can then create tip-based responses, allowing your fans to “control” your vibe by tipping you.

Of course, it’s also possible to hand over control to your high tippers using the control link function mentioned above.

As I’m not a cam performer, I have not tested this functionality myself. However, I have seen clips of sex workers using it, and read reviews that are generally very positive about it.

Power

Sadly, what the Lovense Lush 2 has in app functionality and innovation, it lacks in power. As soon as I switched it on in my hand, I was unimpressed. I hoped it might feel better once I was warmed up and using it on my genitals, but alas I remained underwhelmed.

The Lovense Lush 2’s vibrations aren’t exactly terrible, but they’re just… not good. They’re fairly buzzy and, even on the highest setting, nowhere near powerful enough to justify this toy’s price tag.

I’m sad to report that this toy didn’t get me off. After multiple attempts, I had to reach for a trusty wand to finish the job.

Final thoughts

I can only recommend this toy if you’re after app functionality or long-distance capability and if you don’t need very powerful vibrations. The Lovense Lush 2’s app is great, and the tip connectivity option for adult performers is genuinely cool and unique.

Unfortunately, its power level really lets the Lovense Lush 2 down. For a vibrator that costs £139.99, a nifty app isn’t enough. I expect it to actually be powerful to get me off. Which, frankly, is a low bar for a supposedly high-end toy to meet.

Without the cool app features, all you have is an overpriced vibrator with a mediocre motor.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the Lovense Lush 2 to review! All opinions are, as always, my own. Buying through my affiliate links sends a small commission my way at no extra cost to you.

Header image for a post on the best virtual date ideas

Five of the Best Virtual Date Ideas

Published on July 25, 2020 by AmyLeave a comment

I resisted writing this post for some time, because it felt too close to the whole “moving our entire lives online during COVID” theme I was trying to avoid. However, there are many reasons beyond lockdown restrictions and public health fears why people might need – or even want – to go on digital dates. Long-distance relationships, limited funds, and illness are just a few of the ones I can think of.

So I wanted to share five of my best virtual date ideas with you guys today. I hope you find something here to inspire you. And, of course, you’re always welcome to share your own in the comments.

Movie night

You can use an app like Watch Party to share a virtual movie night, but it’s just as easy to sync up and hit “play” on your Netflix or DVD player at the same time… or even both watch the same movie as it’s being shown on TV.

You can video, voice or text-chat while you watch, if you wish, or just call each other afterwards and talk about the movie.

Get some popcorn and dim the lights for the full cinematic experience!

Looking for movie recs? Check out my friend Livvy’s blog, Sex Love and Videotape, for some inspiration!

Virtual museum tour

Did you know that museums all over the world have virtual tours of their galleries and exhibitions available online? Meet online to explore a virtual museum and video or voice-chat while you wander around.

The Albertina in Vienna, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the London’s Natural History Museum are just some of the world-renowned museums offering online tours right now.

Night at the theatre

Prior to the last few months, many of us could only access live theatre if we could get to a major city and afford the exhorbitant ticket prices (or get to one of the handful of cinemas that showed live-streamed versions.) Since March, however, tonnes of productions have gone online.

Pick a show, sync up, and hit play. Bonuses of the virtual theatre: you can wear your pyjamas if you want to, your bed is probably comfier than an actual theatre seat, and the drinks are cheaper!

Timeout‘s theatre sections have listings that refresh every couple of days!

Cheese and wine party

If you’re feeling fancy, why not share an online cheese and wine tasting? Get some interesting cheeses on your next trip to the supermarket (or order them online.) Pick up a bottle of wine (or two.) Enjoy them and compare notes on your favourites while you video-chat.

To take it up a notch, dress in your most over-the-top fabulous outfits.

Hot virtual sex date

Of course I wouldn’t be me without saying that some hot online sex is one of the best virtual date ideas of all!

Set aside the time to completely focus on each other, and get lost in some deliciously hot phone sex, sexting, or cyber-sex. An app-controlled sex toy can put your pleasure in your partner’s hands, no matter where in the world they are.

This post contains affiliate links. All views, as always, are my own. If you haven’t signed up for Coffee Date, my biweekly newsletter, yet – what are you waiting for!?

A train station platform, for a post about doing kink long distance

Kink from a Distance: How We Did It Before We Lived Together

Published on October 15, 2017December 30, 2019 by AmyLeave a comment

Mr CK and I were lucky: we were only in a long-distance relationship for just under a year. We were also close enough to make seeing each other at weekends possible. As long-distance love goes, we definitely had it on the easier end of the spectrum. That said, there were times when it was really difficult, and the constant traveling was exhausting and expensive. Moving in together was a challenge in its own right, but neither of us missed the sight of Megabuses or train station terminals or the M1.

One of the challenges of living apart, especially in the early days, was maintaining a sexual connection when we couldn’t just fuck each other’s brains out whenenver we wanted. We’re not a 24/7 D/s couple, but in reality he’s usually the Dominant and I’m usually the submissive.

This post is part of my #KinkMonth series, inspired by Kayla Lords’ 30 Days of D/s, where today’s prompt is all about maintaining D/s when you’re apart. Today I want to share with you a few of the tricks we used to keep our sexual connection sizzling and have kinky fun when we weren’t in the same place.

Sexting

I love sexting. I love the anticipation when the other person is typing. Tap-tap-tapping out my fantasies, planting filth into their mind with my words. The delicious collaboration of building a sexy story together. The vulnerability, tempered with the distance created by this medium of communication. I especially love the way I can save the words, read them back as many times as I want and, let’s be real, wank to them furiously later.

We sexted at least once a week, and sometimes a lot more, in our first few months together.

Skype/phone sex

Skype and phone sex is a bit like sexting, only more immediate, more visceral. You can hear the other person’s words, hear their voice catch when you say something that really gets them, hear them gasp as they touch themselves.

We fell in love through late-night calls and Skype calls and illicit phone sex. Later, when we were officially together, we used it to maintain our connection across the miles. Hearing his voice in my ear wasn’t as good as being able to reach out and touch him, of course. But it was a damn good substitute.

Orders and accountability

In the long-distance days, I’d often get orders from Mr as I was going about my day. He’d text me, next time you go to the bathroom, take a sexy picture or go and edge three times. I would report back, tell him I’d done my task, and hear what a good girl I was. Sometimes, I’d need to send him a picture as proof. Obeying his orders and having a sense of accountability, even from a distance, kept me both red-hot for him and feeling the submissive feels I craved.

Planning and negotiation

One of the things that was surprisingly effective in keeping our kinky connection going was using the time we were apart to plan and negotiate for future scenes. Talking limits, boundaries, ideas, possibilities and future plans for all the pervy sex we were going to have helped to build anticipation and excitement. So by the time we actually came to do the things, we were both amped up and raring to go. Efficient and sexy!

What do you do to keep the sexy, kinky fun going in your long-distance relationship?

Kinky item of the day: a long-range, app-controlled vibrator like the Lovense Lush. Just hand the controls over to your lover via the app. Then they can have their way with you whether they’re right beside you or on the other side of the world.