Amazon last week introduced Amazon Key, a service that lets Amazon packages securely delivered inside the front door. Amazon Prime members can avail the service, currently available in select cities only, by purchasing Amazon Key In-Home Kit.
The In-Home Kit includes Amazon Cloud Cam which is an indoor security camera and a compatible smart lock from Kwikset or Yale. Customers can use the same system to grant access to family members, friends, dog walker, an out of town guest, or house cleaner.
How it works?
Once the Amazon Key is installed, it can authorize the delivery and unlock the smart lock remotely. Notifications are sent the morning of delivery, just before, and right after the delivery via the accompanying Smartphone app. The indoor security camera, which is 1080p full HD, night vision, and two-way audio, records the delivery video that customers can watch live via the Amazon Key app or a recorded video later.
The Cloud Cam functions as a ‘hub’ connected to the internet via the home Wi-Fi system. It passes the ‘lock’ ‘unlock’ instructions to the smart lock via Zigbee, a wireless protocol used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation.
The service, which is currently executed through Amazon’s own delivery team will start on November 8 in select cities in the US.
