Digital Taste Interface 47
Tutter writes with news that Smellovision is being joined in reality by Tasteovision. "Possible applications in healthcare and gaming — it works by using electrodes on your tongue to stimulate salty, sweet, bitter and sour. It can produce the taste of virtual foods or drinks, allowing you to enjoy the taste without the calories (or chewing...). They are also good reasons to do this, for example, a diabetic can now taste sweets without actually affecting their blood sugar levels. Quote: 'The team is also working on a spin-off called a digital lollipop that will give the effect of a continuous sugar hit – but without sugar. For taste messaging they have developed TOIP — Taste Over Internet Protocol. This is a data format that makes it easy to transmit information on how to recreate the different tastes via the electrode. ... It is early days. The four major taste components, plus the fifth, the savoury 'umami' tang, are only a part of what we call flavor. Smell and texture are important, too — and the team now wants to work on adding those effects.' A video on youtube shows what it can do."
Porn (Score:2, Interesting)
Well, since porn has usually been a driver for technology... It goes without saying... being able to taste the sex will be one use this technology will soon be put to. And if they can perfect the taste of flavored latex... the sky is the limit. -_- I know you think I'm joking, but I'm not -- VHS versus Betamax. VHS won because Betamax wouldn't license to porn producers. Technology is replete with examples of our insatiable hedonistic appetites driving it to profit and success over its competitors, who tried to maintain "the high ground".
Re:Doubt it (Score:5, Interesting)
Yes, that's what it seemed like to me.
I suspect there is a tongue covering device in the mouth to send the electrical to the proper receptors.
As for TOIP, (taste over internet protocol), I think I'll pass. I still can't get Goatse out of my eyes, I'll be damned if I want it in my mouth.