Get Ready To Lick Your TV, Electronic Taste May Be Coming To The Living Room

OK so don’t actually try lick your display just yet, chances are it just tastes of screen cleaner or something worse. However, in the near future it may be possible that you can put your tongue to work while enjoying a TV show to sample what ever is on screen… yes, that really does sound creepy doesn’t it.

Scientists have developed a simulator that uses electrodes to stimulate the taste buds on the tongue, allowing it to reproduce salt, sweet, sour and bitter sensations. The Digital State Interface then uses subtle temperature changes to alter the taste experience.

The researchers hope that the system could be used in the future to allow viewers to taste objects that they can see on screen, such as trying a new food that is being advertised or maybe just taking a taste of something from a cooking show, although I’m sure many of our readers can think of funnier things to taste.

The idea is pretty cool, it has applications for computer games, educational purposes and no doubt a whole lot more. Although the whole concept still sounds very strange to me. I fear you may look plenty stupid licking a USB device while watching TV.

Not only that, but the team behind the device are trying to create a digital lollipop that can simulate the real thing, but remove the risk of harm to your teeth, or the chance of putting on weight.

Thank you Telegraph for providing us with this information.

Image courtesy of Telegraph.