Scented Text Messages - Imagine The Possibilities

Scented text messages have been patented by partners Institute of Sensory Analysis and Marketing Consultancy in Göttingen (ISI) and the Oberhausen-based specialist for interactive services Convisual.

The device is a smart card-sized chip that will have about 100 different "prefabricated scents" available.

“People will be able to send the smell of the beach and sunshine to their friends when they’re on vacation,” Convisual spokesperson Sandra Wiewiorra told The Local on Wednesday.

What will you need to leap forward into this pine-fresh future? A "scent chip compliant phone" - natch. Apparently, a variety of companies are lining up for the opportunity to add a smell-o-phone component to their cellphone games and to brand their advertisements.

Fans of Frederik Pohl remember that the fabled joymaker from his 1965 novel The Age of the Pussyfoot also had the ability to spray selected scents - and tranquilizers - if need be.

"Cut that out!" Forrester was breathing hard. Abruptly, the joymaker in his hand hissed and sprayed him with something that felt damp for a second, then dissipated.
(Read more about the cellphone spray)

It seems to me that DoCoMo was also working on something similar; see the mobile fragrance communications kit. And, even if I was April Fooling, I still figured out scented ads; see Google AdCense Improves Olfactory Relevancy.

Via Scented text messages patented in Germany.

Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/2/2008)

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