NTT to Pilot Test Mobile Fragrance Service

NTT Com has announced that it will run a pilot test, from April 10 to 20, of its new Mobile Fragrance Communication service. Apparently, Fragrance Playlists can be downloaded via i-mode and transferred to a dedicated device pre-loaded with a cartridge of base fragrances. The device, a smaller, lighter and more stylish version of the previous model, then mixes the specific fragrances and emits them as the user enjoys the A/V content played back on their phone.

First launched for home use in 2005, Fragrance Communication the new mobile version hopes to offer the convenience of using mobile communication to download Fragrance Playlists, or files of recipes for specific fragrances together with visual (GIF animation) and audio (MIDI) content. These fragrance playlists also can be edited as well as shared with others who subscribe to the service.

Also to be tested is a device controller, called the Service Gateway, which controls the operation of devices in the Mobile Fragrance Communication system. The gateway connects with the Internet, so instructions can be sent remotely from a mobile phone. For example, commands could be sent to the gateway to instruct the fragrance device to begin operating just before the user arrives home.

In the pilot test, a total of 20 male and female monitors will each receive a free Mobile Fragrance Communication kit containing a mobile phone and fragrance device. Five of the monitors will also be given Service Gateway modules. After using the service for ten days, the monitors will complete questionnaires and take part in a group interview. NTT Com will use the information to learn about the monitors’ preferences for when, where and how to use the service, as well as their opinions of the fragrance device’s design and usability.

NTT Com also announced today that it will begin accepting applications from companies in Japan that wish to develop content and applications for the forthcoming commercial version of the Mobile Fragrance Communication service, including: ringtones, music or horoscopes combined with fragrances and applications for housing, automotive, consumer electronics or videogame markets. We can’t possibly make this stuff up folks! Via: JCN

Tags: i-mode, mobile-games, mobile-music

Posted: 8 April 2008 | Filed: New Tech & Services, Sign of the Times | Feedback | Print |