Face mask releases different smells to make VR more convincing

Face-worn devices can release various smells to make virtual reality more immersive and could even be made to mimic the odour of absent loved ones during metaverse meetings, say researchers. Vision, sound and touch are sense all commonly catered for by virtual reality systems, but smell is much less common despite its important role in day-to-day life and in forming and recalling memories. The smells are created by liquid perfumes added to containers of paraffin. These cells are heated to 50 degrees Celsius with a small radiator as that particular smell is needed. The team say that because both devices are close to the nose the delay in triggering a smell and it being detected by the wearer can be as little as seconds. -- Learn more ➤ Subscribe ➤ Get more from New Scientist: Official website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: About New Scientist: New Scientist was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”. Today our website, videos, newsletters, app, podcast and print magazine cover the world’s most important, exciting and entertaining science news as well as asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human. New Scientist