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.