In the mood for a little aromatherapy? Japanese carrier NTT Communications Corp is working on a strange aromatherapy phone service expected to be available sometime next year. A standalone device, that resembles a small pot, holds 16 scented cartridges that can mix basic fragrances to create 200 different aromas.

Users can then use their mobile phone or Wi-Fi connection to send fragrance recipes to the device via infrared or a home gateway unit. Once mixed, the unique scents are released into the air to create a relaxing atmosphere for the user. A number of recipes are already available through an NTT site called I-mode, but users can also create their own special scents.

What's the point of all this? NTT believes fragrance is the next big thing in communications. The company envisions a future where users can send each other scented email attachments, or watch music and video clips on their phone that will be enhanced by smell. How cool is that?

The device itself is expected to cost about $200, and cartridge refills about $16. 

When Roses Won’t Do, E-Mail a Fragrance (New York Times)