Will you eat virtually anything?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo are experimenting with augmented reality by superimposing false images and scents over a plain cookie. The “meta-cookie” (I hope they checked the trademarks on that term first) is then tasted by the subject. So far the, over 70% of the test subjects thought they were tasting the virtual flavor of cookie they chose.

What is this good for? The article suggests it may be a way to enhance food that is typically less than tasty, such as hospital food. In my humble opinion, it adds to the types of information that helps us to understand how we can use virtual or augmented sensory information to incorporate into our larger reality.

See the source article for more information in how they made this work, and a video demonstration.