Sex toy innovation is a funny thing—which is mostly to say that, as a general rule, sex toy innovation is not particularly innovative. In most people's minds, there are two general things that a toy is supposed to do (vibrate and penetrate) and thus sex toy "innovation" tends to amount to making toys that vibrate harder, penetrate deeper, or—gasp!—do both at the same time. It is not particularly inspiring.

But even within this often bleak desert of innovation, there are some rays of hope on the horizon: sex toy companies that care about their product, and work hard to develop beautiful, thoughtfully constructed toys that provide a superior erotic experience. If you're a regular Fleshbot reader, you're doubtless familiar with some of these thought leaders: JimmyJane, Je Joue, and Tenga all spring to mind—and today we're pleased to welcome a new company, Minna, to the club.

At first glance, Minna's debut product, the Ola, may not seem interesting enough to warrant such high praise. A delicately curved vibrator with two buttons on the back side, Ola seems like business as usual. But slow down and examine things further, and you'll see that Ola is anything but ordinary.

Unlike most toys on the market, Ola does not come with pre-programmed pleasure patterns—instead, the pleasure experience is one that's completely customized by you, the user. How does that work, you ask? Allow me to walk you through how the Ola functions.

First, let's go back to the two buttons on the back side of the Ola. One of them is a small, solid circle; this is what turns the Ola off and on. (The second button—a larger, empty circle—is one that we'll come back to later.) Unlike most toys, turning Ola on does not immediately bring it to life: there's no immediate vibration or obvious response (aside from a light glow emanating from the button to confirm that the toy is on). And this is where Ola gets really interesting.

Just beyond its buttons, Ola curves into a pillowy, inflated tab that somewhat resembles a cobra head. Once Ola is on, gently squeeze this tab: Ola springs to life. The harder you squeeze, the harder it responds, with the force of your touch matched by an equally forceful vibration. Looking for a light sensation? Gently stroke Ola's head. Want something more forceful? Press firmly, and get ready to rock out.

When I was first told about Ola, it was pitched to me as a couple's toy—and after trying it out with a partner last night, I can confirm that it is indeed something that's quite fun for two. Because of its interactive, customizable UI, Ola allows a woman's partner to feel directly involved in her pleasure: instead of just being the hand that holds the toy, one becomes the architect of their partner's orgasm. The touch of your finger shifts her experience—and the complete customizability of the toy allows you to surprise her with a new, unpredictable pattern every time. It's a lot of fun for foreplay, and is a delightful main course as well (and if, like me, you happen to enjoy talking during sex—well, it gives you a whole new conversation to have with you partner while you're doing the deed).

Some of you may now be wondering what happens if you happen upon a pattern you really, really like. Are you forced to remember the exactly degree of pressure your fingers enforced every single time you want to feel that same sensation? Or what if you want to keep the Ola going...while doing other things with your hands? Don't worry, Minna has thought of that. (And that brings us to the second button!)

Next to the on/off button is a larger, empty button, which it's easiest to think of as a record/play button. If you've found a sensation you really like, click the button to record, and press the pad to create your pattern. Then, pause for a second, and Ola will play back what it's just recorded. Like what you've got? Click the button a second time to lock in the pattern, and Ola will continuously play what you've just recorded for as long as you like. (Note: in this mode, Ola's pad becomes locked and will not respond to touch—so no worries that an accidental slip of the finger will interfere with whatever pattern you're grooving to.)

So: a unique, completely customizable, and highly interactive vibrator that's great for couples and delightful for solos. Could it get any better? Well, if you consider that it's completely waterproof (for bathtime fun!), body safe, and rechargeable, then yes. Yes it can. I'll let you ponder that one for a while. If you need me, I'll be over here, figuring out the best possible pattern for my Ola.

· Buy the Ola (babeland.com)

· Minna (minnalife.com)

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