This is a paradox we’re sure both Microsoft and Apple don’t want to find themselves in. With the better part of their advertising campaigns trying to show the differences between the two companies, the Zoom vending machines used to distribute iPods, run on the Windows XP operating system.
Isn’t it ironic? Don’t ya think? Of course, it would probably be more fitting if the display was blue-screened. — Andrew Dobrow
Who has time to wait in line in a cafeteria anymore? The Smarte Ala Carte takes into consideration the busy schedule of the modern worker and slaps on a cool idea to keep business running. Smarte Ala Carte is a concept for a smart meal lunch box which can be bought through vending machines. Users would be asked to return the lunch box after use, with the incentive of receiving some cash back.
The lunch boxes, or kiosks, provide easy access to the prepared food, but can also be held anyway without being damaged or mixed. It’s a pretty good idea as a concept, but we don’t really see any potential in it for profit. Though we must admit, it’s a pretty good idea. Would you eat out of a mobile kiosk? — Andrew Dobrow
What is the world coming to? iPod vending machines?! Yeah..sure it’s ridiculously cool to be living in a world where you can grab an iPod from a vending machine, but who in their right mind would invest $400 in a machine that most of us are afraid to put $2 in to get a back of chips or cookies? Another question. How long until a curious hacker discovers how to trick the vending machine? Surely not long. We are not surprised in the least that iPods are now being sold through automated vending merchants, but is this idea really going to take off? Or are we just bearing witness to a marketing strategy that strikes while the iron is hot? — Andrew Dobrow
iPod vending machines rake in the moolah [Newlaunches]