Friday 29 March 2013

Google Wallet and NFC Vending Machines Myths Debunked

Vending Machines
NFC technology is all set to change our lives forever. It is being talked about on social media platforms, news reports and vending machines industry as well. While Google Wallet and NFC news intrigue you, some myths are doing rounds as well. So, before we head on to debunk those myths, let's take a flip through the technology and how it works.

Google Wallet and NFC (Near Field Communication):

NFC is an abbreviation for Near Field Communication that allows communication between two devices. Many people liken it to bluetooth and prima-facie it seems to be true; however, it is different from different because this technology doesn't require pairing. Even the disadvantage of smart cards is eliminated as they enable only one way communication. Less power is consumed by NFC. Data and payment transfer can be done in seconds, simply by waving an NFC enabled smart phone. Isn't that  amazing. You do not need to swipe your credit card to make payments any more. In other words, your credit card and your wallet will soon be replaced with Google Wallet. It can also be used for data storage and loyalty points.

Myths about NFC:

While this intriguing technology has so much to offer, there are some myths associated as well. There is a misconception that this technology is unreliable and new. It might interest you that this technology has been around for 6 years now. Needless to say that it is being used successfully in Asia and Europe.

We cannot conclude this without debunking another myth that NFC enabled phones are not much in numbers. In year 2012, most of the phone manufacturing companies launched NFC enabled phones such as HTC Droid DNA, Samsung Galaxy Note II, HTC Evo 4G LTE, Samsung Galaxy SII Skyrocket BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 , BlackBerry Curve 9380, Google Nexus 7 and Google Nexus S et al.

With NFC vending machines life will change for better. Although, these myths are prevalent right now, yet they will fade away with time as NFC wins people's trust and changes the way we purchase at present.

Pot Vending Machines in San Diego

Pot Vending Machines
Harry J. Anslinger doesn't need an introduction as he is known for one of the most influential movements of The United States of America. He was known for his statement that means- As known to everyone, Marijuana- an addictive drug instills criminality, insanity and even brings death to its users.  Decades later San Diego is    busy discussing on similar topic. This is because news is doing rounds that San Diego will have pot vending machines installed all over the city. City leaders are going to have a meeting to zero in on the subject. Mayor Bob Filner who was not in favour of getting these machines installed in the first place, wants this to be discussed from every aspect, including the legal aspect.

According to the news , Med Box is planning to setup 30 marijuana vending machines. Although there is a debate going on in San Diego on the viability of the decision. Some say that these machines will not be secure as dispensaries can be assaulted, while Med Box CEO Dr. Bruce Bedrick disagrees. On the contrary , he believes that marijuana sales can be regulated by marijuana vending machines. Bedrick said that the machines that were installed in Canada and U.S 4 years ago are absolutely safe and crime free as they are armour coated.

How will it Work :

Usually, vending machines dispense products in exchange of a money. It will not be quite easy to obtain marijuana like normal vending machines as one would need to obtain a prepaid card before getting marijuana. In order to prohibit unauthorised access, fingerprint technology will be deployed as well. Prescriptions and dosage amounts will be confirmed using a software. The ordinance that will allow permits to be issued for marijuana dispensaries will be discussed on the 25th March, 2013. Med Box has started collecting deposits for these machines which is no less than an astronomical $50.000.

Some interesting facts about Marijuana:

  1. The name marijuana comes from a Mexican slang for cannabis.
  2. Paraguay is the world's largest producer of marijuana.
  3. Marijuana plant can grow almost in any environment and it can grow upto 18 feet in ideal conditions.
  4. Cannabis is the international and scientific name for marijuana; however it is popularly known as marijuana in the United States.

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Social Vending Machines

Social Media and Vending Machines, both have astonished the world in the last few years. Both, no less than paradigm shifts as they changed life for better.

Social Media and Vending Machines, both have astonished the world in the last few years. Both, no less than paradigm shifts as they changed life for better. What else could be more amazing than these social media and vending machines working in conjunction to surprise and fascinate the world even more. It is no exaggeration after you read about some of the most amazing innovations in vending industry. The history of vending machines dates back to 1880s when the first coin operated vending machine was launched in London. Time changed, people changed and so did vending machines, and why not. Vending machines had to be as trendy as people are. Consequently, we saw vending machine vending gold, dispensing cold drink for a hug and also machines with human intelligence. All of these seemed like contents of a popular science fiction movie, but this was not all. There was yet a lot more to come.

Facebook and twitter gained incredible popularity in the past few years. Due to increasing popularity and availability of smart phones at lower prices, life became unthinkable without social media. Apparently, techies and creative minds got together to integrate social media and  vending machines.

1.BOS Ice tea's BevMax 4.45: If there is a vending machine that scores 10 on ten for innovation, it is surely BOS Ice tea's BevMax 4.45. This twitter activated machine  took everyone by surprise and its popularity became viral in no time. All one needed to do is send a tweet #BOSTWEET4T to BOS's twitter account @bos and the machine would dispense a free drink for you. To make it more personalised, the machine even displays your name. The possibility of fake tweets could not be denied, so location settings option on twitter was used to determine your location.

2. 'Friendship Machine': Coca Cola's 'Friendship Machine' targeted the youth who are always looking for something interesting and different.  The Friendship machine dispensed two cokes for the price of one; however, it was not as easy as inserting the coin and getting it. The coin insertion slot was at the top of this 11 feet tall machine where you couldn't reach without the support of your friend. More than 800 cokes were sold in a span of 9 hours which was 1075% higher than what regular coke vending machines sold.

3.Pepsi's Social Vending: We cannot forget to mention Pepsi's social vending machine. This machine was launched in year 2011. It worked on a prototype that allowed you to gift a Pepsi to your friend. All you needed to do is fill up the details such as his mobile number and record your message too. Your friend would receive a code on his mobile phone which he could use to redeem the gift at the nearest pepsi vending machine. Your recorded message will be displayed to him while redeeming the gift. This drink vending machine won the hearts of thousands.