Being there

Being there: "This Guardian article looks at a 'gadget that lets you pat the dog,squeeze your partner and hug the children,without the inconvenience of having to be there.The invention was developed by researchers who believe the pace of modern life has dramatically cut the time we spend showing affection to family members,including pets.Simply slip your significant others into specially designed jackets, and you will be able to pat,stroke or hug them from anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection.The jacket was revealed yesterday at the CHI2006 technology conference in Montreal, an international gathering of experts working to push the boundaries of computer and internet-enabled devices. It comes with a doll which, when touched, records the exact sensation and beams it wirelessly to the internet and on to the jacket, which moves to mirror the feeling'. Jacket made to measure for love from afar "