The tech world frequently surprises us with quirky gadgets. From talking AI pins with holographic screens to cuddly robots that nibble on your fingers, or even handheld gadgets that emulate the comfort of furry pets—sometimes they miss the mark. However, occasionally, innovation hits a sweet spot.
Consider the Asus Fragrance Mouse, a unique creation unveiled by the brand at the annual CES event earlier this year. I was skeptical about whether it would hit store shelves, but I’m happy to be mistaken. Asus has officially confirmed it as a standalone item and it is set to make its way to the US market.
While it functions as a regular mouse, the standout feature is a dedicated compartment on the bottom where users can insert any aromatic oil they prefer. I appreciate this design choice as it allows customers the freedom to choose their own scents, rather than being restricted to a pricey proprietary option.
Oh, the possibilities for pranks with this!
According to the company, the removable vial is washable and can be refilled with different fragrances. This isn’t Asus’s first venture into scent technology; eScent previously developed a wearable necklace that released fragrances based on the user’s emotional or physical state.
There are also phone cases that activate fragrances through scratching, utilizing surface friction. At CES 2023, a company named OVR introduced the ION 3, a wearable scent kit designed for XR technology, capable of generating numerous unique fragrances through a system of cartridges.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong and Beihang University in Beijing developed a sensor that resembles a patch, connecting seamlessly with a VR headset. This device utilizes miniaturized odor generators and perfumed wax to create different scents in under two seconds.
Returning to the Asus Fragrance Mouse, it stands out as a mainstream effort to blend pleasant scents with consumer technology. The pricing details have yet to be announced, but considering its overall design and moderate tech specifications, it is unlikely to exceed the cost of high-end RGB-equipped gaming mice.
This distinctive mouse features a thumb rest on the side, a three-stage DPI adjustment that reaches up to 2,400 dpi, promises a lifespan of 10 million clicks, and offers dual-mode connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options.
