Vending machines sell Motorola phones

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Motorola Inc. is selling mobile phones in Chicago and San Francisco from what amounts to giant vending machines.

Zoom Systems of San Francisco is operating "Instantmoto," a "robotic store" stocked with phones and phone accessories in airports and malls, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

There are three Instantmotos operating, with a total of 20 locations nationwide set for a pilot marketing project.

Each machine holds about 12 mid- to high-end models like the Razr and the Q, a rival to the BlackBerry, and 18 accessories, like headsets and chargers.

The products may be bought with or without a service plan.