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No, It's Not an App. It's a Japanese Soft Drink.

Aug 14, 2010 07:48 PM

Person using a self-service kiosk at an airport.

Shiny, pretty touchscreen vending machines have finally gone mainstream in Japan. My only question is... what's taken so long? The vending machine business can be quite lucrative (location, location, location), so all the more reason to make the interface as aesthetically appealing and user friendly as the iPhone AND as smart as a robot (read below).

Features (translation via YouTube):

5X more expensive than your standard vending machine.
When you stand in front, it automatically distinguishes your sex and age from your face, and recommends a drink for you.
In the video, the female reporter has tea chosen for her. When a business man comes, coffee is selected.
Accuracy of age identification is 75%.
The machine uses high speed internet "wimax" to display real time news and images. It also changes its design based on the season or weather.

Man, does Japan love their vending machines (see for yourself).

Vending machine displaying a variety of beverages in a modern setting.

Interactive touchscreen vending machine displaying various beverage options.

Person using a vending machine displaying a variety of beverage options.

Person using a touchscreen vending machine to select a beverage.

Person using a digital vending machine.

A man using a self-service kiosk at an airport.

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