Social+Networking...+Through+Vending+Machines?+(Ailan)

 Overview
At the National Automatic Merchandising Association's OneShow resides a vending machine by Pepsi with the words “BE SOCIAL” printed above a picture of a Diet Pepsi bottle canoodling a regular Pepsi bottle. One might think PepsiCo is trying to get people to make out with their soda, but no! It's worse -- PepsiCo is trying to cash in on the social networking movement. This particular vending machine is a Social Vending System, which is a vending machine that allows customers to connect with friends by gifting drinks with a push of a touchscreen button. PepsiCo explains:

"Using digital technology, PepsiCo's Social Vending System enables any user to gift a friend by selecting a beverage and entering the recipient's name, mobile number and a personalized text message. There's also the option to further personalize the gift with a short video recorded right at the machine. The gift is delivered with a system code and instructions to redeem it at any PepsiCo Social Vending system. When the recipient redeems their gift, they're given the option of either thanking the original sender with a gift of their own or paying it forward and gifting a beverage to another friend." [[|1]] Better still is the “Random Acts of Refreshment” feature, which allows customers to purchase drinks for strangers around the world. “[A] consumer could send a symbol of encouragement someone in a city that has experienced challenging weather, or a congratulatory beverage to a student at a university that just won a championship.” [[|1]] Nothing like congratulating someone by upping their risk of diabetes. Clearly this machine is to compete with Coca-Cola's customizable machines, the Coca-Cola Freestyle, which allow customers to choose from over 100 different beverage choices and flavor combinations. Along with soda, the machines offer waters, juices, teas and sparkling drinks. [[|2]] Pick your poison: sharable Pepsi machines or customizable Coke machines? According to Techland [[|3]], there's only one machine at the OneShow, so, uh, where does the gifted pop go? [1] [] [2] http://www.inquisitr.com/30239/bored-with-cola-flavored-coke/  [3] http://techland.time.com/2011/04/27/pepsi-finally-invents-the-social-vending-machine-finally/

**History**
(There is no text here yet.)

**Opinion**
(There is no text here yet.)

**Future Trends?**
(There is no text here yet.)