Digital Beverages has announced a computer-controlled beverage dispenser that runs Windows XP Embedded (XPe). Aimed at both home and institutional users, the MyFountain can automatically pour hot, cold, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the company says.
Resembling -- but much smaller than -- a fast-food drinks dispenser, the MyFountain has above-counter taps (see photo, below). It features cooled beverage reservoirs and an embedded computer, shielded against spills below the counter.
The MyFountain features Windows XP Embedded
The "spy video" (below), released by Digital Beverages, shows the cooler layout, but the computer is not visible. Company CEO Martin Arellano told WindowsForDevices the choice of processor has not been finalized, but in order to keep system pricing below $2,000 it will likely be a highly integrated product incorporating a processor such as the Via C7.
The MyFountain has below-counter beverage dispensers (Click image to play video)
Arellano added that the MyFountain will run Windows XP Embedded from flash, and incorporates a WiFi adapter so it can automatically generate beverage reorders and send them over the Internet. Like fast-food soda machines, the MyFountain mixes concentrates with tap water, which Arellano touts as saving cost and being a more ecological solution than shipping drinks in barrels or bottles.
The unit incorporates a touchscreen, allowing users to dispense drinks by touching an icon. While the MyFountain can dispense a "limitless" variety of beverages, dispensing alcohol is said to require upgrading to the $2,800 MyFountain XL.
According to Arellano, the MyFountain XL steps up to a Celeron-class processor and 1 GB of RAM, and also includes a 200 GB hard drive. All access to alcoholic drinks can be password-restricted to prevent underage drinking, he added.
The MyFountain XL will feature a wine preservation system, allowing wine to be dispensed by the glass without spoiling. It is also said to offer peer-to-peer communications with other units of its type.
Online recipes can be downloaded, then shared. The device can store multiple user profiles and other information, and its WiFi interface will be capable of setting up a wireless hotspot, Arellano said.
Finally, the company will also offer the Virtual Bartender, selling for $3,500 and up depending on the finish of its cabinet. This model will feature a 500 GB hard drive, a Core Duo processor, and dual monitors, said Arellano.
On this high-end model, Windows XP Media Center software will allow one screen to accept beverage orders, while the other screen will support photos, games, DVDs, or other home entertainment functions.
The company says it will start selling the MyFountain model in early September. Next year, Arellano added, a yet-to-be-named big box retailer will sell the unit, co-branded with a well-known appliance vendor.
