Tokyo has an utter fascination with vending machines, so Google Japan decided to tap into that and launched its own vending machine that dispenses Android apps.
These Google Play machines, according Engadget, will sell 18 different gaming titles, a mix of paid-for titles and free-to-play. More free and paid apps and games are expected to be added over time.
So, how does this work instead of just hitting up the market on your Android device? If you have an Android 4.0 with NFC, all you have to do is rest the device on the tray below the screen and voila! Apps installed.
Google Japan has a standby Nexus device which users can use in order to try out the new experience should their devices be devoid of NFC technology.
It’s certainly peculiar to have an app vending machine when smartphones themselves are already devices that offer apps for purchase right to the device itself. Perhaps vending machines are good for those that do not want to tie a credit card to their account, or have limited data plans. Maybe it’s good for those who use pay-as-you-go plans to have a place to purchase apps without just clicking a button.
Given Japan’s love affair with vending machines, Google will do well with its take on product-dispensing machinery; however, it’s unlikely this will make its way outside of Japan.
A little Google search will draw up sites that explain Japan’s overabundance of machines. Apparently, you can buy clothing from machines, everything from hats and shirts to underwear. According to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association, there are 5.51 million machines in Japan, taking a total of nearly 7 trillion yen (around $58 billion) a year.
It remains to be seen how well Google will do with its app machine, but going on Japan’s obsession with these things, it’s a safe assumption they’ll do okay.
Edited by
Alisen Downey 
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