Smelly device would liven up web browsing

NewScientist.com ^ | 20 February 04 | NewScientist.com news service

[endthematrix]

A scent-generating device being tested by the UK internet service provider Telewest Broadband could soon allow internet users to transmit aromas of their choice across the internet.

The Scent Dome is about the size of a teapot and can generate up to 60 different smells by releasing particles from one or more of 20 liquid-filled odour capsules. Computers fitted with a Scent Dome unit use software to recognise smell identifying codes embedded in an email or web page.

The device is manufactured by Trisenx, based in Georgia, US, and is currently being tested at Telewest's UK research laboratory in Woking, Surrey.

The British company suggests that the system could be used to enhance a holiday web site by generating the scent of sun tan lotion and the ocean or liven up a grocery site with fresh bread and fruit smells.

Deep-seated emotions

"Our sense of smell is directly connected to our emotions," says Kate Fox, social anthropologist and co-director of the Social Issues Research Centre in Oxford. "Smells trigger very powerful and deep-seated emotional responses, and this additional element to the internet will enhance users’ online experience by adding that crucial third dimension."

Ellwood Ivey, founder and CEO of Trisenx, says users can mix different aromas to create custom smells and could theoretically produce unpleasant aromas, or electronic stink bombs.

But, in order to experience the service however Telewest customers will have to pay roughly £250 for a Scent Dome.

"We are always looking at ways to enhance the broadband internet experience," says Chad Raube, director of internet services at Telewest Broadband. "This could bring an extra whiff of realism to the internet."

[endthematrix]

This is for all you stinky FReepers out there....hey who sent me that cheese E-smell?

[cyborg]

I don't know if I want a smell generator when doing research on Madame President (my senator).

[kenth]

Now if they can only come up with a way to transmit STDs via web browser, one could get the entire porn experience.

[endthematrix]

Oh the horror of a hundred Potpourri scented spam emails. Or even SPAM scented SPAM for that matter! LOL!

[Dan from Michigan]

I should send over the aroma of my cigar smoke then.....

[cyborg]

SPAM scented emails...hahahaha

[HiTech RedNeck]

Wait'll we get the smellophone.

[July 4th]

It would make porn spam quite a bit more interesting. (Ok...that's bad...but it's late.)

[jwh_Denver]

This is for all you stinky FReepers out there....hey who sent me that cheese E-smell?

Hey, some of mine could drop a horse.

[cyborg]

yep

[MediaMole]

Whatever you do, don't press button number two.


There, it had to be said.

[bigghurtt]

indeed.

much like the idea to do the same thing with televisions and movie theaters before them.

nothing new under the sun and all that.

[observer5]

There are enough stupid people out there to go out and spend money on this idiotic thing - consider how many people buy windose.

[metesky]

Pull my finger...

[Mike Darancette]

Can you imagine the inhuman stench emanating from DU?

[Paul C. Jesup]

Someone finely invented SmellaVision (Bugs Bunny).

[Paul C. Jesup]

Someone finally invented SmellaVision (Bugs Bunny).

[alley cat]

Smellovision is here!!

[Bogey78O]

I'm glad i wasn't the only one.