Now there’s a first: our communications have improved from mere words to sounds and visual effects in the past years, but NTT Communications wants a bit more, as it unveiled its plans to test the latest (and unimaginable probably for some) mean of communication that involves the olfactory sense this time.

Mobile Flagrance Communications service is the mobile version of a service launched in 2005 “for enjoying downloaded audiovisual content together with specific flagrances,” how the company described it. The test is scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 20.

An i-mode mobile website will offer the Flagrance Playlists or file recipes together with visual and audio content (GIF and MIDI) that will be transferred with the help of an infrared port from the mobile device to a device that is loaded with base flagrances ready to be mixed (similar to a printer) and then released. The service will require subscription and the Flagrance Playlists will be shareable with other subscribers to the service.

NTT will also test a device controller called “Service Gateway,” that controls the Mobile Flagrance Communication system, connects to the Internet and enables instructions to be sent from a mobile phone, including a perfect timing just before the subscriber gets home, the company said.

“Aromatherapy can reduce stress and help you relax, and to be able to control smell implies one has the power to manipulate feelings as well,” said Akira Sakaino, NTT Communications, Net Business Division, as quoted by PC World.

The trial period will involve 20 male and female monitors, the company unveiled, which will receive a mobile phone and the flagrance device for their home, while five of them will also be able to test the Service Gateway during the 10 days.