Remember back in the late '90s, when a new generation of Internet Service Providers promised free access in exchange for watching pop-up ads? Sure, that never caught on, but Japan's Apex Corp. has come up with a new take on that old idea: It's rolling out vending machines that'll give drink seekers the option to watch an ad that will net them a free — or at least discounted — soda or coffee.

Whether thirsty consumers will be more willing to watch ads for a free drink than they were to get free Internet access remains to be seen, but the impulsive nature of a drink purchase would seem to improve the odds. Certainly, it's not the most far-fetched vending machine idea we've seen. And who doesn't like a free soda? — Tony Kontzer

Khaleej Times, via Engadget