The German news site “The Local” reports that a pair of German companies have patented a technology that would let people “send smells” via SMS text messaging on their cell phones. Their initial plan is to incorporate a “smell chip” into cell phones that would come pre-embedded with up to 100 different scents such as vanilla, roses, or “the beach” (don’t let Cosmo Kramer find out about that one). It’s also possible, the spokesperson said, that there might be some “bad smells” available, too.

The companies don’t have any actual product right now, but they hope to convince cell phone manufacturers to incorporate their technology into new cell phone designs within a couple of years. I, for one, will not hold my breath waiting for that to happen (thank you, I’ll be here all week, try the veal).

(via)