French telecom announces Web smellovision

A research division of France Télécom, the Superior International Institute of Perfume, Cosmetics and Food Aromatics, in partnership with Germany's Ruetz Technologies, says it has produced the first working device for translating electronic signals into aromas. The accomplishment upstages an effort made of merged US and Israeli firms working on the same goal. The France Télécom prototype allows users to click on links within a Web site to release various smells. Another prototype is being prepared for the television and possibly the video game market. France Télécom 's vision is, eventually, to transmit aromas along with videophone signals. The company says 200 scents will be sendable through their system within a year.

For more information, click idg.net.