IFF and Vapor Communications launch digital scent platform

27-Apr-2016 - Last updated on 28-Apr-2016 at 14:30 GMT

Cyrano and oNotes app image courtesy of Vapor Communications

The Cyrano device, available as of Wednesday, centers around a palette of 12 fragrances developed through the sensorial communications company’s partnership with International Flavors & Fragrances.

Cosmetics Design first reported on the two companies’ work toward digital fragrance last October, noting that “IFF had the long-term in mind when choosing a digital scent tech partner.” And with this first product launch, the project looks to be on track.

Digital fragrance

The scent speaker and technology are fairly straight forward: an easily portable device with replaceable cartridges lasting (with anticipated regular use) for one month. Vapor is positioning the technology for mood and messaging use.

A launch event features an olfactory film, Alex in Wonderland by Maya Sanbar. And, the Cyrano in consumer hands is designed to run mood melodies, via the oNotes app, that correlate to desirable frames of mind, including “Get Energy,” “Get Relaxed,” or “Get Free.”

IFF created the fragrances meant to evoke each mood. And the company believes that digital fragrance is a viable niche. “We are excited to collaborate with Vapor Communications to explore the frontier of digital scent,” says Nicolas Mizrayantz, IFF group president of fragrances, in a press release about this week’s launch.

“With our deep understanding of sensorial experience and expertise in fragrance, Cyrano will allow consumers to turn their cars and other small spaces into a kind of personal sanctuary,” asserts Mizrayantz.

Test case

It’s a cautious commercial launch. The Cyrano scent speaker (which is a bit smaller than a conventional soda can) is, for now, available only in the US and in limited supply.

“The company will conduct a limited production run and will deliver up to 500 Cyrano devices through this summer as it further designs its platform and scent library based on consumer feedback,” explains Vapor Communications in the press release.

There’s plenty of consumer test data and brain science behind the initial collection of fragrances, known as Natural Moods, according to the company.

"Our moods are influenced by light as with sunshine and by sound as with music, but even more profoundly by scent, as with the fragrance of an orchid, or the aroma of hot chocolate,” said David Edwards, Vapor Communications co-founder. “With Cyrano,” Edwards, who is also a Harvard professor, believes that “we can design our lives with all three dimensions of sensorial control.”