Amazon introduces Key doorstep delivery service and Cloud Cam security camera with Alexa


Amazon Cloud Cam

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.

Amazon Key

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 $249.99 (Rs. 16,195 approx.) along with free installation. While just the Amazon Cloud Cam costs $119.99 (Rs. 7,770 approx.) 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.