We’ve previously covered the new touchscreen Coke vending machine, but yesterday at the Gizmodo Gallery we had our first chance to test it live. We left impressed and convinced that of the many gadgets on display, this state-of-the-art machine surely has a lot of potential.
The machine boasts an intuitive touchscreen interface (think iPhone) designed by Sapient and runs on hardware from Samsung. This particular touchscreen allowed you to select one of three drinks (but it can be programmed to offer any Coke product). In addition, using the touchscreen, you can spin the product around to see the ingredients and barcode on the back. The vending machine is also equipped with Bluetooth and capable of delivering digital coupons, ringtones, music, and wallpaper to your phone. For now, you can pay by cash or card and, in the future, you may be able to pay via text message.
Coke has also applied technology to the design of the cans that pop out of the machine. The can is what Coke is calling ‘next generation’ aluminum cans. While I might not go that far, the cans do a nice job blending newer technologies — re-sealable tops and better ergonomics — with older company traditions — the cans are shaped like the iconic Coke bottles we all know so well (see onscreen pic above).
The machine, which debuted at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, is currently in testing at select Simon Property Group malls across the nation. You should expect to see one at your neighborhood mall sometime next year.
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