TOKYO, JAPAN - NTT Communications (NTT Com) announced today that it will conduct a pilot test of its new Mobile Fragrance Communication (Kaori Tsushin Mobile) service, a mobile version of an existing service for enjoying downloaded audiovisual content together with specific fragrances that are emitted by a dedicated device. The pilot test will run from April 10 to 20.

First launched for home use in 2005, Fragrance Communication is now used by companies and individuals to enhance indoor environments with pleasing fragrances. The new mobile version offers the convenience of using mobile communication to download Fragrance Playlists, or files of recipes for specific fragrances together with visual (GIF animation) and audio (MIDI) content.

The Fragrance Playlists are downloaded from the "i-mode" mobile website of sister company NTT DoCoMo. Using the phone's infrared port, the fragrance data is transferred to a device that has been loaded with a cartridge of essences, or base fragrances (Attachment 1). The device, a smaller, lighter and more stylish version of the previous model, then mixes the specific fragrances and emits them as the user enjoys the A/V content played back on their phone(Attachment 2).

The Fragrance Playlists also can be edited as well as shared with others who subscribe to the service.

Also to be tested is a device controller, called the Service Gateway, which controls the operation of devices in the Mobile Fragrance Communication system. The gateway connects with the Internet, so instructions can be sent remotely from a mobile phone. For example, commands could be sent to the gateway to instruct the fragrance device to begin operating just before the user arrives home (Attachment 3).

In the pilot test, a total of 20 male and female monitors will each receive a free Mobile Fragrance Communication kit containing a mobile phone and fragrance device. Five of the monitors will also be given Service Gateway modules. After using the service for ten days, the monitors will complete questionnaires and take part in a group interview. NTT Com will use the information to learn about the monitors' preferences for when, where and how to use the service, as well as their opinions of the fragrance device's design and usability.

NTT Com also announced today that it will begin accepting applications from companies in Japan that wish to develop content and applications for the forthcoming commercial version of the Mobile Fragrance Communication service, including:

- Ringtones, music or horoscopes combined with fragrances.
- Applications for housing, automotive, consumer electronics or videogame markets.

Interested companies can learn more by visiting the Fragrance Communication website (Japanese only) at http://aroma.blog.ocn.ne.jp.

Attachment 1: Mobile Fragrance Communication via Infrared Port
Attachment 2: Fragrance Device
Attachment 3: Mobile Fragrance Communication via Service Gateway

About NTT Communications
NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) provides information and communications technology (ICT) solutions worldwide with dedicated professionals stationed in 21 countries. Renowned as an IPv6 technology pioneer and managed service expert, NTT Com offers diverse high-quality IP, Web-based, and managed network solutions combining network management, security, ubiquitous, Web portals/engines, and global services. Its world-class Tier 1 Internet backbone and secure closed networks with over 98,000 MPLS ports, combined with the networks of partner companies around the world, connect more than 200 countries. The company earned non-consolidated revenues exceeding one trillion yen (about US$10 billion) in fiscal 2006 ended March 31, 2007. NTT Com started as a long-distance phone company in 1999 after the reorganization of the NTT Group, and is the wholly-owned subsidiary of NTT, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies. NTT is listed in Japan, London and New York stock exchanges. Please visit www.ntt.com.