Japanese soda-machines zap you with beamed audio

The inventor of a sonic flashlight that projects a narrow beam of sound at a distance is selling it to Japanese soda-machine vendors so that they can zap passers-by with seductive cola-pouring sounds.

Thousands of soda machines in Tokyo will soon bombard passersby with the enticing sound of a Coke being poured, and several U.S. supermarkets will promote products to shoppers as they walk down corresponding aisles. Eventually HyperSonic Sound might enable a nightclub to play disco on one side of the dance floor and salsa on the other. Ambulances equipped with hypersonic sirens could clear the streets without waking the neighbors. Norris' company, American Technology, sells the devices for $600.

Link (Thanks, A.V.!)