The PayPal Vending Machine [PayPal X Innovate 2010 Conference Shows Off PayPal-Capable Vending Machine]

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Lots of technology enthusiasts like us use PayPal on a regular basis–whether it’s the cashier for our eBay transactions or numerous other web sites, paying by PayPal, or receiving payments through same, is a way of life in many circles. But its use in the real world is somewhat limited–don’t even get me started on vending machines…until now.

Over at the PayPal X Innovate 2010 developers conference, they’ve put together a vending machine that actually accepts PayPal. You’ll need a smartphone for this, however, as you’ll scan a QR code, which in turn connects to your PayPal balance to pay for the item you plan to buy, in this case, candy.

The prototype in question was designed by Ray Tanaka, along with his team from PayPalLabs, combining a standard mechanical candy dispenser, a WiShield, LED display and a set of other components to get a candy machine that will take PayPal.

I have to admit, I like this idea. It’s always nice to have other options when you go out shopping, and I’m sure there’s a lot of people who wouldn’t mind cutting out the bank transfers involved in your PayPal dealings. Of course, considering that PayPal already offers a debit card that ties directly into your PayPal balance, it does make me wonder what value the PayPal-capable vending machine actually has.  Granted, most vending machines won’t take debit cards–most I’ve seen only offer the option between cash and change–but wouldn’t adding a debit card capability to current vending machines be quite a bit easier than what Tanaka et al are proposing with their PayPal-capable device? Not as exciting, of course, but easier?

That’s a matter of opinion, of course, and it’s still an interesting idea. But that’s why we have a comments section, so that things like this can be hashed out easily with other like-minded tech buffs.

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