ISmell
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital scent technology, Computer hardware |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Joel Lloyd Bellenson, Dexter Smith |
| Fate | Bankruptcy |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | iSmell digital scent device |
The iSmell represented a commercial implementation of digital scent technology created by DigiScents Inc. This compact gadget linked to a computer through a USB connection and drew power from a conventional electrical socket. Its design resembled a shark's fin, featuring multiple apertures for scent release. Utilizing cartridges akin to printer ink, it generated new fragrances by blending existing scent elements. These combinations mimicked both natural and synthetic aromas. The cartridges needed to be replaced periodically once their contents were exhausted. Integrated with websites and interactive media platforms, the device could emit scents either automatically or upon user command. Although there were intentions to produce several versions, the product remained at the prototype phase and failed to achieve notable commercial success. DigiScents eventually filed for bankruptcy soon afterward.
In 2006, PC World Magazine listed the iSmell among "The 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time," emphasizing its inability to reach widespread market adoption.
Company foundation
Established in 1999 by Joel Lloyd Bellenson and Dexter Smith during a trip to Miami, DigiScents set out to digitally capture and reproduce environmental odors. They created a comprehensive scent database alongside the iSmell device designed for PC integration. The company secured roughly $20 million in funding from prominent industry investors such as Givaudan, a leader in perfumes and essences, and Real Networks, known for streaming services.
Bankruptcy
The downfall of the iSmell was attributed less to technological shortcomings and more to difficulties in marketing and financing, ultimately causing DigiScents to cease operations. The financial repercussions of the September 11, 2001 attacks further weakened the company's economic stability. As of June 2001, DigiScents continued licensing its scent technology while pursuing additional investment for a potential relaunch.
Product design
The iSmell was engineered for straightforward installation via USB and power cords. DigiScents compiled thousands of scent profiles based on chemical formulations, each encoded into small files embedded within websites, emails, or software applications. When activated, the device released precise chemical mixtures to reproduce targeted aromas.
Prototype
The first prototype consisted of a small black enclosure housing a cartridge filled with multiple scent compounds. A fan drew air across heated vials containing aromatic oils, dispersing the selected fragrance through an outlet.
Chemicals employed for scent creation
Functioning similarly to an inkjet printer using cartridges, the iSmell contained 128 chemicals including natural oils and synthetic fragrances. Unlike printers that rely on four color cartridges, accurately recreating complex odors required reservoirs holding numerous base aroma chemicals to maintain scent authenticity.
Chemical emission process
The device released chemicals into the surrounding air akin to how a Febreze dispenser operates, emitting aroma molecules that diffuse nearby. Triggered by user actions such as mouse clicks or email openings, it emitted modest amounts of fragrance within close proximity.
Dispenser and chemical reservoir design
Shaped like a shark's fin, the dispenser connected to PCs via serial or USB ports and plugged into standard electrical outlets for power supply.
Integration
Engineered for multimedia applications, iSmell's modular architecture permits developers to integrate scent-triggering files within video games and films. This functionality allows audiences to encounter tailored fragrances—such as the aroma of freshly mown grass on virtual hills, sizzling burgers during culinary programs, the scent of burning rubber in racing simulations, or gunpowder in action-packed scenarios—thereby enriching user engagement and broadening the scope of product usage.
See also
References
External links
- DigiScents - A Revolution of the Senses archived on the Internet Archive (June 1, 2001)