Aromajoin introduces a neck-wearable smell dispenser that can add six different aromas to your videos, as reported by TechCrunch.
The Device
Using its AromaShooter technology and the programmable Aromaplayer, you can combine it with any video from YouTube or your own library. With the color-coded interface, you can add scents that is timed with the video playing in front you. You can program the smell, timing, and duration, as well as mix and match smells to trigger at the same time.
The scents come in tiny cartridges that you can replace. Initially, the technology was used in high-end digital signage applications with a dispenser that can jet smells your way from up to six feet away. This time around, at the CES 2023 in Las Vegas, the company showed off tools for anyone to create their content and aromatic experiences.
The device that can be worn around the neck is more targeted, which means it can't be perceived a foot or so away from the viewer. With the Aromashooter, users can choose the direction of the aromas.
How It Works
To emit a scent, Aromajoin will first take in ambient air that will then pass through the cartridge to add the scent to the air. Its nozzles are targeted at the user's nose, which will deliver the smell.
You can connect the device to computers, smartphones or VR headsets via Bluetooth. The battery life can last for two days during normal use.
There are no details yet when it will be released and how much it will cost. However, the device looks promising and could take video-watching to a whole new level.
Also Read: OVR Technology's Virtual Olfactory Exhibit is a Metaverse Focusing on Smell! Here's How It Works
A Sense of Smell in Technology
Displaying a picture of a smell has always been difficult - now, we can finally 'see' what smells like. Although this tech is becoming more common, it's still perceived as gimmicky, so it remains to see how users and the industry will react to it. For now, it's a good way to add another layer of storytelling to our content.
Since you can't always explain to someone how something smells, this device can bridge that gap and make it easier for you. Also, it's a good way to trigger a reminiscence of the past, to teleport you to a certain place or time when you smelled something. The sense of smell can be proven to regenerate memories.
In the future, we may see a sense of smell being connected to other senses like touch, sight, and hearing. This can be done through a VR-based system that will be more accurate and accommodate more interactive experience. We can already feel, touch and interact with the digital world through the power of VR. It's only a matter of time before we can smell and taste this world as well.
Related Article: Sony to Debut Olfactory Device, Tests Sense of Smell to Determine Early Signs of Dementia
