How ChatPerf works. (via ChatPerf)
In an odd but intriguing creation, Japananese company ChatPerf gives phones the capabilities of delivering smells with your text messages or e-mails. Using odors and scents to enhance experiences is not a new idea. It has been tried before in the past during movies in which pipes would be used to deliver odors to the unsuspecting audience. However, this proved to be a bad idea and it was subtly discontinued from ever happening again. ChatPerf is looking to change that by equipping smart phones with cartridges that can be used to release scents.
It may be an odd idea, sending your friends scents to complement your messages, but there are some potential applications in which this feature can be used meaningfully. For example, receiving delicious smells to “get a taste” of what your favorite cook is making on the food network. Or possibly handing out cartridges at an event to fill the crowd with distinctive scents.
Whatever the case may be the product is still in development. The company is working to make it available on iPhone and Android phones along with releasing a software development kit to let hackers get creative with it. At the moment, an atomizer is being used to dispense specific smells. Unfortunately, the cartridge is limited to one smell per container, which will certainly limit its applications.
The device used will attach to your phone via the audio jack and is set to be released some time in September. One of the more exciting applications will be using the device along with video games. For instance, releasing the smell of gunpowder while playing shooter games from your phone. This device may be a hit for some people in Japan; nevertheless, I do not see it taking off as a popular phone accessory. Chances are the cost will definitely outweigh the user experience. But, the novelty is worth a try.
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