NTT DoCoMo to test downloading fragrances via mobile
08 Apr 2008
Hong Kong: Japanese mobile phone maker, NTT Communications, a unit of NTT DoCoMo will conduct a pilot test of its new Mobile Fragrance Communications service, a unique feature that enables users to download music along with experiencing scents emitted through an aroma generator built into the hand held devices.
According to the company, the handset is designed to work together with music and video downloads, whereby scents are combined according to a fragrance play list linked to audiovisual content. Scent playlists can be downloaded from the "i-mode" mobile web site run by NTT DoCoMo.
NTT will begin trials of the new service from 10 April to 20 April, with 20 volunteers, each receiving a free Mobile Fragrance Communication kit containing a mobile phone and fragrance device.
The volunteers will download files of specific scents accompanied by music or video clips for ten days, followed by a questionnaire and a group discussion, which will help the company to know about the fragrance device's design and usability.
The company in 2005 launched a similar service for home use, allowing users to download different programs to emit smells from an aroma generator machine priced from 50,000 yen ($489) to 70,000 yen.
