On A Completely Different Note

The newest product to hit the trendy market is what is being billed as a "musical condom". While a bit of a misnomer, better for a snappy headline, the marketing concept ties a box of flavored condoms with a music CD.

Hong Kong's Ondo Creation, which makes designer condoms, hopes its Idom sheathes will put a more romantic spin on safe sex — and reduce the risk of a slap on the face that a pack of six might elicit among some conservative Asians.

The Idom itself doesn't sing — but the mint, strawberry, chocolate and banana flavoured condoms come in an attractive package with a music CD to get you in the mood for love.

"We create an environment for lovers who would like to try a different experience," said Victor Tsang who runs Ondo Creation.

"We try to create products that are not embarrassing, but very trendy and hip. It's a lifestyle product," he added.

Cynics may scoff at the marketing gloss, but the 18 month start-up's products sell across the world. The firm also won a bronze medal in the Industrial Design Excellence Awards run in conjunction with BusinessWeek magazine, which said Ondo had managed to "revitalise the image of condoms".

It is actually a clever marketing campaign. The company sells only to trendy upscale stores, not the corner convenience store. But if they really want to hit the big time, we recommend that they follow up the musical condom with something really impressive. The answering cervix.