Deep in its booth at the Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung was showing off its new "uVending" machines. Thanks in part to the free sodas, the machines drew quite a crowd of as many as fifty people. Why? Each machine was equipped with a touch panel screen on the front showcasing the products available inside.

We were able to touch the screen to navigate through products as well as select an item we wanted to purchase (again, for free!), and merchandise in the machine could be virtually spun around to see nutritional facts and other packaging information. That was the neatest feature, to be honest. Be an educated vending machine consumer, learn about the product before buying!

Besides being a crowd pleaser, the machines also had more practical features. They were all WiFi-enabled so operators could update information on the screen remotely as well as monitor the stock of items. Each was also equipped with a shock sensor that sets off an alarm if anyone tries their hand at vandalism, and it had a built-in camera to take pictures of potential criminals who aren't the type to be deterred by alarms.

Okay, so the the uVending machines wouldn't be of any use in your home, but they'll add some high-tech atmosphere to the malls they show up in later this year!