Is it different? Yes. Is it interesting? Yes. Is it plausible or probable? No; well at least not for a long time. Designer Kimberly Hu has been working for quite a while on one of the most unique mobile concepts we’ve seen. The device made its first appearance back in mid-2006 and even went on to win a red dot award, but it looks like web interest has been stirred up again. Dubbed “Scentsory”, the flexible ultra-thin handset concept is equipped with highly sophisticated sensors that are capable of translating odors into transmittable data. The device can then send that data to another person packing a Scentsory, and their unit will reproduce the scent. It might sound ridiculous but research has shown that the human capacity for scent memory is significantly greater than audio or visual memory. The goal of this device is to bring mobile experiences to the next level in terms of multi-sensory experiences and interaction. Imagine receiving a call and instantly experiencing sights, sounds, lighting effects, temperature changes and scents; all driven by the caller’s environment. Scentsory is also equipped with two screens, an LED touchpad, stereo speakers, a hidden camera and an exterior temperature sensor. Wireless earbuds are available for a more private audio experience. Is it any closer to production than it was back when it first made the rounds? Probably not, but perhaps we can hope that various design elements and technologies find their way into some upcoming devices to create a far more interactive mobile experience in the near future.
Scentsory Concept Phone; Sniffer Phone Makes the Rounds Again
Updated Dec 19th, 2018 5:56PM EST
If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.
Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 15 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.
His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.
