This AI-Powered Smell-O-Vision Device for Video Games Stinks

Smell-O-Vision, or the idea of smelling what’s happening on the TV or movie in front of you, was first introduced in 1939—and released to less than enthusiastic results. The scents were pumped via pipes to individual seats in the theater and were released by the projectionist using a control board. But when the scents were released, the pipes hissed, distracting audience members, and it sometimes took the scents several seconds to reach moviegoers noses, missing the scene it was supposed to accompany.

Now, a product called Gamescent is claiming the same for video games. The device uses artificial intelligence along with swappable scent cartridges to let gamers experience smells such as burning rubber, gunfire, and explosions for only $150, which includes six base scents. (You’ll have to pay extra for additional scents.)

Of course, Smell-O-Vision was a flop and it’s unclear whether there is a market to pump the scents like “zombie” and “blood” into people’s living rooms. But the company’s founders are betting there is—and even plan to expand to movies.

Read more at The Daily Beast.