January 23, 2005
Transmitting fragrance by SMS
A researcher at Huelva University in Spain claims to have created a version of XML that can transmit smells. Or fragrances if you prefer, according to the Inquirer which has picked up on an article published in Spanish elmundo
"The university said that it's worked with researchers in both computing and chemistry to come up with the concept of the XML Smell language.
[...] The researchers said they quickly realised that smells could be propagated over networks and the Web. And so they have created XML Smell, which they claim can define in universal and standardised way the transmission of smell which allows the transmission of fragrances by email, by SMS to a mobile phone, or via a TV show.
Currently, the boffins are designing a device which will sit close to a TV, a radio, a phone or a PC, and which contains a "smell palette". The components in the palette are realised according to instructions contained in the XML Smell language."
More on cell phones and odors, related, in a far fetched way:
-- New German Mobile Phone to Detect Bad Breath - Siemens is developing the first mobile phone that will detect unpleasant odors, using new sensor technology.
-- Cell phone could warn of gas leaks - A mobile phone able to warn against fire, leakage of methane or other types of toxic gas has been submitted to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for patent.
-- Marijuana mobile phone an Australian company displayed a mobile phone cover featuring a picture of a marijuana plant supposed to smell like the drug as well.
-- Aroma Phones - Chocolate, coffee, cherry and blueberry aroma cell phone covers were featured at CEBIT Australia 2003 by Corporate Phone Covers.
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