A vending machine of tomorrow can be described with just three adjectives: smart, digitally-connected and, with no doubt, sustainable. It will sell or give away just everything, for versatile currency, with manifold purposes. A dispenser will definitely go beyond the “pay-and-get on-the-go” scheme, transcending to an eco-focused, digitally powered installation that would respond to consumer needs just like a human salesperson (or even better) and at the same time revolve around the four pillars of sustainability: environmental responsibility, cultural/knowledge vitality, social good/well-being and economic health. How do vending machines of today dip into the “smart” sustainable future across these four areas? 

Samsung Australia teams up with celebrated director Baz Lurman (Australia, The Great Gatsby) and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) to spur filmmaking creativity among young talented minds. The brand is calling people aged 17-24 to join The Shoot for a chance to make a short film that will premiere at the Sydney Opera House during its 40th anniversary celebrations in late October. To develop the film, the creative team of the winners will be working cheek by jowl with professionals including Mr. Lurman and will be using a toolkit that will include the new GALAXY Note 3 and GALAXY Gear.

McDonald’s is highlighting its products through a plethora of personal stories of UK consumers on the new destination 100 McDonald’s Moments. The fun and playful site by Razorfish London and Goodboy Digital features a hundred of various feedbacks from real people who are telling how McDonald’s has left its mark in their life experiences, from personal relationship to travelling abroad.

The global media agency Mindshare has recently released a report with a somewhat provocative headline “Digital Culture and the Digital Normal Index,” which defines the level of the so-called digital “normalness” or “abnormalness” by country. Put simply, it gives a deep insight into what drives us to chat online, listen to music, watch movies, blog or play games on the Internet. 

Intel and Toshiba team up again for a social film, The Power Inside, which will combine Hollywood talent and fans’ acting power. The six-episode project is about an invasion of aliens called Uricks that get thrown back by brave and young guys with the help of the Ultrabook technology. The project follows Intel/Toshiba’s Emmy-winning film, “The Beauty Inside” (2012) and the first social thriller “Inside” (2011) that also put fans in the heart of the production.