Smell Tones for Mobile Phones
Aromatherapy wafts to a high tech edge with Japanese “smell tones” for mobile phones. Scented mobile phone charms release a variety of fragrances to signal incoming calls and email using an electronically stimulated micro scent generator built into a cell phone-style charm. Keitai KunKun (KunKun is Japanese shorthand for the act of actually sniffing) releases a light burst of fragrance for five seconds after the arrival of a call/mail. At least pockets and purses will be sweetly scented.
Disney, Hello Kitty, Doraemon and J-Pop princess charms dangle from this smell tone product by Pixen a Japanese firm specializing in odor management. Each character has its own fragrance blend. Doraemon’s signature scent for example is a mix of three aromas to evoke the wildness of nature. (That’s because plump blue animated robot cats are really wild at heart, right?) Mickey Mouse, an easygoing rodent kind of guy, exudes scents for relaxation and healing. Prices average 1980 yen ($16).
The company also makes professional aroma systems and researches scent generating techniques. They are apparently working on scent assisted alarm systems and scent marking for security use.