Choice Of A New Generation

(CNN) -- The days of sliding a few coins into a vending machine and waiting for a can of soda to tumble down are now numbered.

Last week PepsiCo unveiled a prototype of a "social vending system" branding it as "the next generation in interactive vend technology."

The machine features a touch-screen that allows users to buy a drink as well as gift one to someone. By entering the recipient's name, mobile number and a personalized text message, the machine generates a code and instructions on how to redeem the beverage at another social vending machine.

Some folks are skeptical, but I think this is a neat idea. It lets people stay connected and share a cold beverage.  There's nothing wrong with that.  And as someone who drops money for the person behind me in line, I like the random acts of beverage idea as well.