Amazon continues changing our flexibility towards receiving packages. It started with one click ordering, but now the company is making getting a package even easier with the introduction of Amazon Key. This will allow couriers to deliver your packages inside your home.
Amazon Key requires a smart lock and also works with a Cloud Camera. Each time an Amazon delivery person opens your door, the camera will record the delivery. This service does not require the courier to have a key to your home, though. And not only does Amazon think that customers will allow them access to their homes, but they believe people will pay over $250 for this option!
“Each time a delivery driver requests access to a customer’s home, Amazon verifies that the correct driver is at the right address, at the intended time, through an encrypted authentication process,” the statement announcing Amazon Air said. “Once this process is successfully completed, Amazon Cloud Cam starts recording and the door is then unlocked. No access codes or keys are ever provided to delivery drivers.”
This will also allow you to remotely unlock your doors for others. Amazon Key will also work with Amazon Home Service providers to give businesses such as dog walkers and cleaning services access to your home. More information about this is in the video below.
Amazon Key is only available to Amazon Prime members. It could be a game changer for some people, but you obviously need to be comfortable giving access to your home to someone you don’t know. Even if it is just for a second, it can feel like an invasion of privacy to some people.
Smart locks are rather easy to obtain. They allow you remotely lock or unlock your door. You can even assign passcodes to people so you have a log of who enters your home and when. You can also typically make rules so these passcodes only work at certain times and you can set up a rule that makes a camera record. These devices can be purchased at a home improvement store and do not require an Amazon subscription.
Amazon Key isn’t that much different from this. The big difference is that the courier has immediate access to your home without needing you to prompt the door unlocking.
Do you think this is a good idea? Share this to let others know what Amazon is doing now!
Source: NPR