There was once an idea called “smell-o-vision” where people could smell what they see on film as an added form of immersion. Needless to say, it didn’t take off. This time, researchers are looking to transmit taste over the internet as a way for people to interact with one another.
By having the sender use a sensor to “digitize” the taste of lemonade, the receiver can sample the same drink using a specialized cup that reproduces the taste, based on the received digital blueprint of what lemonade should taste like.
Engadget notes that testers found the digital reproduction to be less sour than the real beverage. However, the fact that the cup can reproduce even a hint of the flavor is astounding enough.
The researchers plan to expand the project to include odors in the future. Perhaps with the ubiquity of the internet in modern lifestyle, transmitting taste and odors may actually sell. Combining this kind of technology with virtual reality could usher in the “holodeck” level of virtual reality immersion, as popularized by Star Trek. Alfred Bayle/JB