Internet users in Britain might soon be able to spice up their emails with an added whiff of a well-chosen scent.
A British internet service provider plans to market a "scent dome", which would plug into customers' computers much like a printer.
Inside the device would be 20 disposable pockets of different scents, which could be combined - much like the coloured ink cartridges on a printer - to make up to 60 identifiable different smells.
The company says more than 2,000 smells could be available in the future.
These would be released by electronic signals sent along a broadband internet line.
As well as garnishing emails to loved ones with a burst of a favourite perfume, users could also let themselves be alerted to incoming mail by the waft of baking bread or coffee.
Holiday firms could include the smell of the sea and suntan lotion in email promotions while one for a movie might have the faint whiff of popcorn.
Telewest Broadband is testing the scent pods and hopes to make them available for around £200.
Chad Raube, director of internet services at Telewest Broadband, said: "This could bring an extra whiff of realism to the internet.
"We are always looking at ways to enhance the broadband internet experience of the future and this time we are sure consumers will come up smelling of roses.
A British internet service provider plans to market a "scent dome", which would plug into customers' computers much like a printer.
Inside the device would be 20 disposable pockets of different scents, which could be combined - much like the coloured ink cartridges on a printer - to make up to 60 identifiable different smells.
The company says more than 2,000 smells could be available in the future.
These would be released by electronic signals sent along a broadband internet line.
As well as garnishing emails to loved ones with a burst of a favourite perfume, users could also let themselves be alerted to incoming mail by the waft of baking bread or coffee.
Holiday firms could include the smell of the sea and suntan lotion in email promotions while one for a movie might have the faint whiff of popcorn.
Telewest Broadband is testing the scent pods and hopes to make them available for around £200.
Chad Raube, director of internet services at Telewest Broadband, said: "This could bring an extra whiff of realism to the internet.
"We are always looking at ways to enhance the broadband internet experience of the future and this time we are sure consumers will come up smelling of roses.