A molecular drinks printer claims to make anything from iced coffee to cocktails

First, this sounds really cool! I was really into the idea until I got to here:

> Cana will automatically replace ingredient cartridges (which should each last around a month) as needed at no cost. However, you'll pay for the device's concoctions on a per-drink basis. Each will cost between 29 cents and $3, though Cana claims the average price will be lower than bottled beverages at retailers. The system also requires sugar and spirits cartridges — both of which are replaced automatically — and a CO2 cylinder.

I was initially hesitant about the prospect of proprietary lock-in and oh dear was I right to be. By "automatically" I assume they mean, "this requires a network connection and runs the risk of becoming a $500-$800 paperweight," and frankly, the idea of paying varying prices for each drink just sounds bizarre and unjustified. If the technology in this thing is so novel, surely they have enough control over their IP that there's no need for this kind of pricing model or lock-in. I could, of course, be missing something of my own accord, but it feels like they're trying to hide or obfuscate something.

I like their marketing catch, "Molecular Printer" It's bound to catch every geek's, geeks with money, idea of a futuristic food replicator. It's just concentrated flavors, water, co2 and alcohol but the marketing pitch makes it so much more. I'm always amazed how proper marketing can make everything so much better. Good for them I hope they sell a lot.

Juicero 2.0. I hope this fails just as hard.