Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Emerging Tech
  3. News

The Global Beer Fridge speaks 40 languages and opens on command

By

google and molson teamed up to create a voice activated beer fridge that understands 40 lanugages
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Every once in awhile, technology takes a remarkable leap forward, addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems — poverty, the environment, social justice. Sure, the latest Google-powered beer fridge that speaks 40 different languages may not be one of those applications of technology, but who’s to say that makes it any less impressive? A partnership between Google and Canadian beer company Molson has resulted in quite the lovechild — the Global Beer Fridge — which is simultaneously a terrible tease and a phenomenal innovation. You see, the fridge only dispenses a cold beverage when the would-be imbiber says “I am Canadian” (Molson’s slogan) in any six of the 40 languages the appliance recognizes. So work on your language skills, friends, or be doomed to thirst.

Molson’s Beer Fridge is heavily dependent on Google’s real-time voice translation services for its operation, and can recognize a wide variety of languages, including French, Hindi, and Mandarin. Of course, given Canada’s very multi-ethnic demographic, this is certainly an excellent attempt at increasing the country’s cultural awareness, on top of just being an all-around brilliant marketing play.

Global Beer Fridge (Extended) | Molson Canadian

The fridge was initially completed for an initial unveiling on July 1, Canada’s birthday. But if you can’t make it up north for that particular sighting, fret not — the Global Beer Fridge will be making another appearance at Toronto’s PanAm games next month.

Recommended Videos

This voice-activated technology may mean a whole new mechanism for vending machines everywhere, so even though this particular fridge may be serving a very specific, very Canadian purpose, it may have much broader implications for the future of our favorite snack dispensaries. After all, what better world could we imagine than one that spits out chips and cookies with nothing more than a vocal command?

Please enable Javascript to view this content

So head up to Canada on July 10 to check out this one-of-a-kind beer fridge, and consider all the new horizons that we’ve yet to breach with vocal commands and vending machines.

Topics
Lulu Chang
Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Kia America COO says ending EV tax credit would be dumb
kia coo ending ev incentive dumb zeta evs

With Kia just getting started with the expansion of its U.S.-made electric-vehicle (EV) lineup, the automaker may have a good perspective on what losing tax incentives on EVs could mean for the industry and the economy.

The transition team of the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning to end the federal $7,500 tax credit on the purchase or lease of an EV. Under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), an EV made in North America is eligible for the incentive.

Read more
Mercedes bets solar paint is part of EV-charging future
mercedes solar paint evs benz electric camper

It’s been said that Albert Einstein’s genius came from his ability to freely wonder and ask child-like questions way before he even tried applying science-based solutions.
It seems some within the R&D department at Mercedes-Benz might be similarly inspired. The German automaker is currently developing a special solar paint that, when applied on the surface of vehicles, can harness enough energy from the sun to power up EVs.
The energy generated by the paint’s solar cells can be used for driving or fed directly into a high-voltage battery.
“The photovoltaic system is permanently active and also generates energy when the vehicle is switched off,” Mercedes says. “In the future, this could be a highly effective solution for increased electric range and fewer charging stops.”
The layer of paste to be applied on EVs is significantly thinner than a human hair, yet its photovoltaic cells are packed full of energy. Covering the surface of a mid-size SUV with the paint could produce enough energy for up to 7,456 miles per year under ideal conditions, Mercedes says.
This does imply being in geographic locations with plenty of sun hours during the day.
But even with less-than-ideal sun hours, the energy yielded can make a significant difference to EV charging. Mercedes says the solar-paint charge could provide 100% of needed energy for an average daily drive of 32 miles in sun-drenched Los Angeles. In much less sunny conditions -- such as around Mercedes’ headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany -- it would still yield enough energy for 62% of the distance.
An added bonus for environmentally-conscious drivers: Unlike some solar panels, the solar paint contains no rare earth or silicon – only non-toxic, readily available raw materials. It’s also easy to recycle and considerably cheaper to produce than conventional solar modules, Mercedes says.
The likes of Aptera, Sono Motors, Lightyear, and Hyundai have also been researching how to best harness solar energy to power up EVs.
But that’s been mostly through solar panels yielding enough energy for small and light vehicles, such as Aptera’s three-wheel solar EV. Solar paint could bring solar charging for bigger vehicles, such as electric SUVs, Mercedes says.

Read more
Volkswagen’s affordable ID.2 EV remains on track
vw id2 volkswagen affordable ev 1

It’s no secret that Volkswagen has been facing a huge slump in sales in Europe and China, forcing it to close plants in Germany.

But unlike other European automakers who have stuck to producing high-end electric vehicles (EVs), the German automaker keeps on reaffirming its commitment to bringing affordable EVs to market, including in the U.S.

Read more