Microsoft’s high-tech grocery cart with video ads |
Microsoft wants to deliver more ads to consumers, so they have found a unique way to do it more effectively. Working with a company called MediaCart, they are building computers that would be mounted on grocery carts. It would allow consumers to navigate the store and then automatically check them out when they’re finished. What would convenience be without revenue? That’s why Microsoft will have video ads mixed with the experience.
The cart-mounted computers will be tested at some ShopRite markets in the second half of 2008. Shoppers can pick up items, scan them with the system and leave them in their carts. The console will provide a running price tally and even check items off the shopping list. The system is also equipped with RFID, so it can track shoppers while they’re moving around in the store, deciding whether they want Captain Crunch or Cocoa Puffs. Shoppers will also be able to bring their list to the store with just a swipe of their loyalty card.(Everybody has a loyalty card, and yet it doesn’t seem to make any of us loyal.)
The cart’s video ads will serve as one of the revenue streams for the online advertising company, aQuantive, which Microsoft acquired in 2007.
[Yahoo] VIA [Engadget]
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Oh great - that’s just what we need. Microcr*p and ads at the supermarket.
well i won’t lie, i like the sound of the features.
…a shopping list you can bring it, and have the items automatically cross off as you scan them in… a running price tally (including the tax).. and helping the navigation out by telling you which isles you need to go to, to find the products you need, and since it would know where in the store you were, it could maximize your time by taking you on the most efficient route through the store..
heck, i could imagine something like this taking your credit card, and enabling you to pay for everything in your cart without even needing to wait in the checkout line!
maybe one day!