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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Hot on the heels of Walmart's plans to deliver groceries directly into the fridges [soylentnews.org] of homes with smart locks, Amazon has announced a similar arrangement for package deliveries [recode.net], called Amazon Key:

Amazon on Wednesday announced Amazon Key [amazon.com], a new program for Prime members that lets delivery people drop off packages inside of customer homes.

To make Amazon Key possible, Amazon has introduced its own $120 internet-connected security camera called Amazon Cloud Cam. Customers who want to participate in the program need to purchase an accompanying "smart" lock to allow delivery people to enter their home. Combined camera-lock packages start at $250.

With the program Amazon is adding what it thinks is a more convenient option than traditional outside drop-off, while also coming up with one solution to package theft which is rampant in some markets.

The obvious questions are whether people will trust a delivery person to enter their home unattended. Amazon is trying to assuage these fears by alerting customers when a delivery is about to happen to allow them to watch it live via their phone.

This really isn't a big deal. They were delivering to the doorstep previously, and now they want to move the delivery by a couple of feet. There's almost no difference.

Also at The Verge [theverge.com].

Previously: Amazon Wants to Deliver Purchases to Your Car Trunk [soylentnews.org]

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