France Telecom and Its Partners Experiment in Diffusing Smells over the Internet - Brief Article

ISP Business, Oct, 2000

In Partnership with Germany's Ruetz Technologies and ISIPCA, France Telecom R&D had recently developed the first experimental device for diffusing scents over the Internet. In real-time, via a local diffuser, the device enables the user to smell the aromas associated with the multimedia contents of the Web site that he/she is visiting.

The technical reliability of the device is demonstrated by two operational prototypes, which are the first of their kind in Europe. The first one, designed for individual use via a computer, marks the imminent arrival of the scented Web site. By a simple click of the mouse, the user can detect fragrances produced by familiar plants such as violets. Alternatively, he/she can enjoy the scents of the fruits or flowers that they produce, (e.g. acacia, rose, etc.), by visiting the virtual garden of a nursery.

The second prototype, designed for more collective use, demonstrates the potential of interactive scented television: the weather could be accompanied by smells that remind one of dry hay or maybe cut grass; the lingering smell of the scorched tires of a Formula One racing car would contribute to the video game experience; virtual tours of buildings could equally be accompanied by associated scents, such as hot coffee in the kitchen, old books in the library, etc.; it would even be possible to detect the smell of the other person's eau de toilette when speaking to them via a videophone; holiday promotions emitting fragrances that conjure up images of the beach in Tahiti, the possibilities are endless.

To use this device, the user has to download software that commands the diffusion of a scent when a Web site is visited, and purchase the diffuser itself. In the first case, the diffuser is hidden one each side of the computer. In the second, it resembles a very light Walkman that is worn around the neck, thereby offering freedom of movement. Within a year, this model will contain roughly 200 carefully measured and faithfully reproduced scents.

Electric commerce, search engines, messages, telephone services (fixed and mobile) and online games are expected to become the main focus of scent diffusion.