NTT Communications has come up with a test called Mobile Fragrance Communication service. In this test the audiovisual content is paired with specific smells emitted from a device paired with the mobile phone.

Fragrance Communication helps the users to download Fragrance Playlists, or files of recipes for specific fragrances together with visual (GIF animation) and audio (MIDI) content.

Tests will be conducted on a sample size of 20 volunteers including both men and women where users will get a kit containing a mobile phone and a fragrance device. Five testers will also be given Service Gateway modules, which control operation of devices in the Mobile Fragrance Communication system. The Web-connected gateway can receive commands from a mobile phone to activate fragrance right before the user gets home.

Users can download fragrance playlists from the NTT DoCoMo’s “i-mode” mobile Web site. Fragrance data is then transferred via the phone’s infrared port to a device loaded with base fragrances. It mixes and emits the desired fragrance while the user enjoys audio or video on their phone. Playlists can also be edited and shared with other subscribers, NTT said.

The service will require a mobile version of peripheral aroma generator costing at a price of less than 20,000 yen and stores 16 fragrances capable of creating 700 aromas.