Google Launches Android App Vending Machine in Japan

In Japan, you can buy a variety of goods through vending machines: tea, snacks, beer, and now Android apps. Google has launched a series of Play Store vending machines in the country, catering to the trend in Japan of obtaining various goods in that way.

The Play Store vending machines are designed to provide apps and games via NFC (Near Field Communication) technology rather than downloads.

These huge machines will not offer devices such as Chromebooks or Nexus gadgets. However, you can browse various apps (both free and paid ones) on them, and quickly load the one you want using your NFC-enabled device. For consumers whose phones do not support NFC, Google will also provide a Nexus device for trying out apps.

The operation of the Play Store vending machines is very simple: first place your phone on the tray below the machine's screen, pair it with the machine via NFC, then select the app you want, and the machine will load it for you. Currently, there are only 18 apps available on it. The project has just started, and Google expects to increase the app supply soon. In addition to supporting NFC, the machine also requires your phone to run on Android 4.0 or higher.

These vending machines will be placed outside the Parco store in Shibuya starting tomorrow for public use. There will be two Google employees on site to guide users who have questions or to provide a Nexus 4 for people to try out. This project is currently only available in Japan, but if it succeeds, it may be expanded to other markets.