Amazon has plans to drop off packages directly into shoppers' houses. The world's largest online retailer has announced Amazon Key, a lock and camera system that users control remotely to let delivery associates(伙伴) put goods into their houses. Customers can create temporary passwords(密码) for friends and other service professionals to enter as well.
The smart lock may help Amazon get sales from shoppers who cannot make it home to receive an order, and don't want the package stolen from their doorstep. It also signals Amazon's determination to win the market of home security devices, where Alphabet Inc.'s Nest Labs competes.
"This is not an experiment for us," said Peter Larsen, Amazon vice president of delivery technology, in an interview. "This is a key part of the Amazon shopping experience from this point forward."
Members of Amazon's Prime shopping club can pay $249.99 and up for a cloud-controlled camera and lock that the company offers to install. Delivery associates are told to ring a doorbell or knock when they arrive at someone's house. If no one greets them, they press "unlock" in a mobile app, and Amazon checks its system in an instant to make sure the right associate and package are present. The camera then streams the video to the customer who remotely can watch the in-home delivery take place. The associate cannot proceed with other trips until the house is again locked.
It is unclear if such protections will persuade customers that the service is safe to use. Larsen said stealing was "not something that happens in practice", based on early tests of the Amazon Key programme. He added that if a problem arises, "You can call customer service and Amazon will work with you to make sure it's right, reimbursing(赔偿) you for any loss or damage in some cases."
