ATLANTA, Jan  21 — Coca-Cola has released a set of commemorative special-edition bottles for the World Cup that contain no actual soda but can play animated, interactive images.

Designed to pay homage to past World Cup host countries like Argentina, Japan, France and Italy as well as future hosts like Russia, Qatar and Brazil, the 18 mini collectible bottles are presented in special mini cases.

Sold empty, the bottles were also developed to bring fans around the world into contact with local Brazilians.

Here's how it works: Coca-Cola fans around the world will be invited to download an application through the brand’s Facebook page, allowing them to create a virtual character and send a message to owners of the mini bottle in Brazil.

Over in Brazil, bottle owners will be able to activate their overseas message by holding their smartphone up to the bottle.

The augmented reality messages will be matched with the country of the bottle.

The special edition bottles were launched in Brazil last week. The promotion ends April 15. — AFP-Relaxnews