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The Aroma of Fine Wine From Your Computer

Posted by michael on from the smells-like-teen-spirit dept.

SonomaSteve writes "Wine Spectator Magazine is reporting on a new computer accessory that could have you smelling fine Burgundy wine over the web. The prototype, called Olfacom, is being developed by France Telecom and showcased by the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB.) The technology uses 'essential oils' stored in several tanks inside the peripheral to generate aromas like hay, flowers and fruit. Will Olfacom be more successful than DigiScents? The French say, 'Mais, oui!'"

2 of 136 comments (clear)

  1. Again? by AstrumPreliator · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I've heard about these types of devices quite a few times before. Infact I think the first time I heard about something like this TechTV was still known as ZDTV.

    It's pretty obvious that it didn't work out before, I'm not sure why they're still trying.

  2. Re:They've finally done it... by FireBreathingDog · · Score: 2, Interesting
    I want to make sure these odor output devices are interoperable. What is Microsoft ends up locking up the market with some sort of proprietary system? What if they deliberately rework Windows to make competing devices smell like shit?

    Thankfully, there's an RFC for a truly open protocol: the Olfactory Transport Protocol (OTP). Hopefully, people will use it.

    --
    Shame on Google.