Amazon has introduced a new way of a delivery system
for prime users in the USA called the Amazon Key service which will allow the
courier to open your front door and put your package inside your home. It also
launched a new Cloud Cam security camera which has support for Alexa voice
assistant.
The Amazon Key service that lets the couriers unlock
the door and put the package inside your home while you are away at the time of
the delivery. This new service will rely on the new security camera; the Cloud
Cam (that Amazon introduced alongside with the Key service) and compatible
smart lock.
The Cloud Cam is the hub which connects to the
internet and communicates with the smart lock over Zigbee, a wireless protocol
utilized by many smart home devices. When a courier arrives with your package,
they scan the barcode which then will send a request to the Amazon cloud. Once
everything is verified and checked out, the cloud grants permission by sending
a message to the Cloud Cam camera, which then starts recording.
The courier person will get a prompt on the key app
and just by swiping the screen will give access to unlock the door. They place
the package in your home and lock the door again just by swiping back the
screen. Amazon will send a notification to you that your delivery has arrived
and a short video clip showing the drop-off to confirm.
This locking system works with locks from Yale and
Kwikset, while the rest is being designed and the Cloud Cam is made by Amazon.
The Cloud Cam can record 1080p Full HD resolution videos, night vision, two-way
audio, 24/7 live stream and it can respond to voice commands and can be
integrated with other Alexa supported devices.
Amazon is planning on bundling the service and
offers subscription service for customers who want video archives and advanced
home monitoring, directly competing with Alphabet’s Nest and other smart home
products.
The Amazon smart lock, the connected camera
bundled package costs US$ 249.99 along with free
installation. While just the Amazon Cloud Cam costs US$ 119.99 and Prime users can pre-order the camera today. The Amazon Key service will be
available from November 8th in 37 cities in the U.S
