The world’s first dogecoin ATM has been launched in Vancouver, and it looks about as serious as the dogecoin logo.
The machine consists of a Nexus 7 tablet attatched to a briefcase, along with a money validator.
Needless to say, this isn't exactly a bona fide ATM and nor is it supposed to be. It was created to spice up the two-day CoinFest digital currency festival in Vancouver.
The ATM have one redeeming feature – it features a lot of Comic Sans. However, this isn't good news for everyone. As the saying goes, every time you use Comic Sans, somewhere in the world a designer dies.
Such Doge, much ATM
Joking aside, the contraption is fully functional and it illustrates what can be done with a bit of ingenuity on a very tight budget. In other words, it works like a real crypto ATM, but it does not let users send coins, just buy them.
It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to actually install it in a public space, either – the carrying handle is still attached.
Using the ATM is relatively simple. Users simply need to press “Doge” on the tablet, scan a QR code containing the address, insert cash and hit “To the Moon”. A few moments later dogecoins will be transferred to the users’ digital wallet.
The Nexus 7 may not be the best choice for this sort of device, as its front-facing camera isn’t very impressive, but then again it runs vanilla Android straight from Google, which tends to make it a bit more stable than many Android tablets.
Is there a market for it?
Of course not – there is no market for dogecoin ATMs and there probably never will be. However, the fact that it is possible to make a functional ATM with a bit of glue and outdated consumer electronics is news in itself.
The openness of dogecoin and the casual approach taken by most dogecoin supporters is an interesting phenomenon, and is encouraging for the world of cryptocurrencies in general. According to Straight.com’s Stephen Hui, the ATM wasn’t working when he tried to convert a few bucks into dogecoins.
Still, it is the thought that counts, especially in the meme-loving world of dogecoin. Wow.
Image Credit: Stephen Hui via Straight.com