EcoATM offers cash for old mobile phones, MP3 players

By Mike Flacy January 14, 2012

ecoatm-front

Shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show, the EcoATM is a stand-alone computerized kiosk that accepts old electronics like previous versions of the iPhone and offers cash in exchange. After taking a smartphone out of a case and attaching a QR code sticker to the rear of the device, the user places the old technology into the machine. The EcoATM scans the device and determines what type of electronics is sitting in the tray. It also scans for cracks, scratches and other blemishes that would likely reduce the value of the smartphone if sold on a service like eBay. The EcoATM generates a rough estimate of the value of the device and asks the user if they would like to continue.

If the user chooses to continue the evaluation process, the kiosk produces the correct dock connector automatically and requests that the user plug in the device to the EcoATM. The kiosk is attempting to evaluate the electronics inside the device and make sure the device is in working order. Once the internal hardware has been verified as working, the EcoATM offers a final price based on the evaluation and the user can choose to take the entire offer or donate part of it to charity. In order to complete the process, the user must hold up a government ID to the EcoATM as well as scan the user’s thumbprint. This extra layer of security is included to scare off thieves. In addition, there are two cameras within the kiosk taking photos of the user during the entire process.

While someone trading in their smartphone would likely make more money selling the device on eBay, the convenience of using the kiosk is targeted at people that may be unfamiliar with eBay auctions or simply don’t have the time for that process. EcoATM makes money off reselling the devices in good shape through online auctions as well as breaking down broken electronics into mineral form to sell. EcoATM currently has about 50 kiosks mostly available in southern California, but hopes to expand eastward with a total of 500 kiosks by the end of 2012.

Topics

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Outdoors

The best portable power stations

EcoFlow DELTA 2 on table at campsite for quick charging.

Affordable and efficient portable power is a necessity these days, keeping our electronic devices operational while on the go. But there are literally dozens of options to choose from, making it abundantly difficult to decide which mobile charging solution is best for you. We've sorted through countless portable power options and came up with six of the best portable power stations to keep your smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets functioning while living off the grid.
The best overall: Jackery Explorer 1000

Jackery has been a mainstay in the portable power market for several years, and today, the company continues to set the standard. With three AC outlets, two USB-A, and two USB-C plugs, you'll have plenty of options for keeping your gadgets charged.

Emerging Tech

CES 2023: HD Hyundai’s Avikus is an A.I. for autonomous boat and marine navigation

Demonstration of NeuBoat level 2 autonomous navigation system at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

This content was produced in partnership with HD Hyundai.
Autonomous vehicle navigation technology is certainly nothing new and has been in the works for the better part of a decade at this point. But one of the most common forms we see and hear about is the type used to control steering in road-based vehicles. That's not the only place where technology can make a huge difference. Autonomous driving systems can offer incredible benefits to boats and marine vehicles, too, which is precisely why HD Hyundai has unveiled its Avikus AI technology -- for marine and watercraft vehicles.

More recently, HD Hyundai participated in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, to demo its NeuBoat level 2 autonomous navigation system for recreational boats. The name mashes together the words "neuron" and "boat" and is quite fitting since the Avikus' A.I. navigation tech is a core component of the solution, it will handle self-recognition, real-time decisions, and controls when on the water. Of course, there are a lot of things happening behind the scenes with HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation solution, which we'll dive into below -- HD Hyundai will also be introducing more about the tech at CES 2023.

Computing

This AI cloned my voice using just three minutes of audio

acapela group voice cloning ad

There's a scene in Mission Impossible 3 that you might recall. In it, our hero Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) tackles the movie's villain, holds him at gunpoint, and forces him to read a bizarre series of sentences aloud.

"The pleasure of Busby's company is what I most enjoy," he reluctantly reads. "He put a tack on Miss Yancy's chair, and she called him a horrible boy. At the end of the month, he was flinging two kittens across the width of the room ..."