Spicy whiff of email on the way

Internet users in Britain may soon be able to spice up their emails with a whiff of a well-chosen scent.

A British internet service provider plans to market a "scent dome", which would plug into computers much like a printer.

Inside the device would be 20 disposable pockets of different scents, which could be combined to make up to 60 different smells.

These would be released by electronic signals sent along a broadband internet line.

As well as garnishing emails to loved ones with a burst of a favourite perfume, users could also be alerted to incoming mail by the waft of baking bread or coffee.

Telewest Broadband, the company involved, is testing the scent pods and hopes to make them available for around £200 ($550).