Smelling for more immersion: "Escents" brings scents into virtual reality
The portable device "Escents" aims to integrate scents into VR and AR, relying on magnetic scent capsules, Bluetooth connectivity, and Unity support.
A British company is turning virtual reality into a feast for the senses.
(Image: Scentient)
With the new fragrance device “Escents,” the British company Scentient aims to integrate a previously largely ignored sensory perception into virtual reality and augmented reality: smell. The company showcased the portable system to the public for the first time at the XR trade fair UnitedXR Europe. It can be paired with common headsets such as Meta Quest 3 or Pico 4 Ultra and is designed for training, wellness applications, or brand staging.
Escents is a silent, Bluetooth-connected device that releases specific scents and is worn around the neck, similar to the neckband of the Viture Luma display glasses. It uses magnetically insertable scent capsules, so-called “Smart Pods.” Each unit contains six different scents, including jasmine, chocolate, green fig tree, pine, burnt wood, and gasoline. The capsules are automatically recognized by the device and are said to be usable for up to 50 hours each. A light indicator flashes when the level is low. According to the manufacturer, changing the pods takes only a few seconds.
Almost 1,000 euros for scent-intensive virtual reality
In addition to the hardware, Scentient offers its software platform: the “Scentient Video Player” enables time-synchronized scent sequences for 360-degree videos or simple 2D content. Via a Unity interface, individual objects can also be specifically linked to scents in virtual environments. For example, a digital object can be picked up and smelled.
In addition to wellness applications, the company particularly emphasizes its use in realistic training. In simulated emergency scenarios, the smell of smoke or chemicals could thus depict stress situations more realistically. Exclusive brand stagings are also among the intended fields of application.
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Behind Scentient are Anastasia Georgievskaya, who previously worked in biomedical research, and mechanical engineer Ivan Novikov. The device is currently available for pre-order for 850 British pounds, with delivery scheduled to begin in early 2026.
(joe)
