I can SMELL video games now.

The video opens with Linus introducing the concept of Smell-O-Vision in a clearly skeptical yet curious tone, describing the Cilia Developer Kit from Haptic Sol. He explains that the device houses six scent pods and six fans, arranged behind a front panel, and that the scent release is triggered by software control rather than constant diffusion. The host walks through what’s inside the box, notes the need for a desk setup or a stand mounting for closer proximity to the face, and highlights the RGB lighting and the included guides for Unity and Unreal Engine integration. Early testing reveals that the smell is quite subtle by itself, but becomes noticeable once the software activates the fans, and Linus demonstrates how the scent can be directed toward the user to create an immersive effect. The discussion touches on potential multi-device setups for surround scent, the ability to create scent groups, and the concept of running virtual device simulations for development without owning multiple units. The segment closes with commentary on the dev kit’s status as a building block for future scent-enabled experiences and a candid acknowledgment of both its promise and current limitations. In the middle portion, Linus showcases real-world usage with Adventure Climb VR and a Minecraft Forge mod, detailing how scents like water, pine, mint, and cappuccino are triggered in relation to in-game events and biomes. He demonstrates adjusting RGB profiles to reflect different environments, and explains that scents are not emitted uniformly but can be aligned with gameplay context to enhance immersion. The hosts experiment with smells while navigating terrain, noting that some scents are more subtle than others and that timing and distance influence the effect. They discuss how the caffeine-like coffee aroma and the waterfall scent arrive at the user and how the experience can sometimes feel disorienting yet engaging. The conversation shifts to practicalities such as latency, spray velocity, and the desire for more granular control so scents reach players more quickly and accurately, while also acknowledging the current limits of available scent repositories and the need for better fuel sources for the pods. Towards the latter portion of the video, the hosts compare Cilia to other scent-based attempts in VR, mentioning Nosulus Rift and scent candles from past gaming moments, and noting that most prior efforts were gimmicks or game-specific marketing tools. They evaluate alternate scent technologies like OVR Technologies and Feelreal, pointing out that those options may require negotiations or lack straightforward consumer purchasing, unlike Cilia’s more accessible approach using replaceable essential oil vials. The duo emphasizes that the Cilia dev kit provides a practical path for developers to build and test scent-enabled experiences, even if the current lineup of supported games is limited. They conclude by recognizing the broader potential of multisensory VR and express cautious optimism about future iterations, while reiterating that the kit is not a consumer-ready gadget but a stepping stone for more immersive future content. The video ends with a nod to their sponsor and a reminder that links for trying the Cilia are in the description, inviting viewers to explore the tech further.

Topics · science and technology · virtual reality · haptics · gaming technology · immersive media · software development kit · prototyping · consumer electronics