Wi-Fi Drink Dispensers

Asahi Beverages Rolls Out Vending Machines That Provide Internet Access

For those living in Japan, you might never have to worry about getting a Wi-Fi signal ever again, thanks to a new line of vending machines set to be rolled out by Asahi Beverages. The company will be providing a new machine that, along with dispensing its usual drinks, will also give customers free Wi-Fi signals for 30 minutes at a time.

The Wi-Fi signals will be available within a 50-mile radius to users who have Wi-Fi receiving devices such as smartphones and game consoles. The free Wi-Fi service will also help Asahi Beverages maximize its marketing: Users see a home page with product information on the brand's beverages, as well as information about the local shops and restaurants around the specific vending machine.

So far, Asahi Beverages plans to distribute 1,000 of these Wi-Fi-providing machines over the course of 2012. However, it expects to roll out up to 10,000 more machines in the next five years, says PSFK.
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Industry Implications
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3. Retail Industry - Connected devices such as IoT vending machines can usher in a new era of retail by providing unique and convenient shopping experiences, as well as new marketing channels for retailers to engage consumers.

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