Pepsi's New Social Media Enabled Vending Machine

Even in the world of corporate branding, Pepsi's new social media enabled vending machine is pretty impressive. For a moment the ad makes you forget that Pepsi is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, and a host of scary additives. And as you drift into a world of blue bubbled carbonation and whimsical tunes you may even forget it has no nutritional benefits

For a moment you may even think that giving the gift of carbonated soda is a good idea. Well a moment anyway. According to Mashables:

PepsiCo's Social Vending Machine, announced Wednesday at a trade show in Chicago, lets users send free soda to their friends. To do so, users select a beverage and enter the recipient's name, mobile number and personalized text message with a code redeemable at another vending machine. Consumers can personalize the message with a short video recorded by the machine. There's also an option to send a free beverage to a stranger.

Watch the Video

Whether you're interested in a soda or not, consider "Social Vending" as a platform for supporting the Pepsi Refresh Project, which allows you to submit ideas and vote on where funding should go for innovative volunteer projects. Here's to the next generation of vending machines.

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