Amazon launches in-home delivery service

In early November, e-commerce company Amazon launched Amazon Key, an in-home delivery service enabling online shoppers to receive goods when not at home.
Amazon Key offers US members of Amazon’s premium Prime service free in-home delivery after installation of the Amazon Key kit, which includes the Amazon Cloud Cam to record entries and a range of lock systems.
After selecting the ‘in-home’ delivery option when shopping, Prime members can follow the order with real-time notifications, watch the delivery happening live via the Cloud Cam and later review the delivery.
“Amazon Key gives customers peace of mind knowing their orders have been safely delivered to their homes and are waiting for them when they walk through their doors,” said Peter Larsen, Vice President – Delivery Technology, Amazon. “Now, Prime members can select in-home delivery and conveniently see their packages being delivered right from their mobile phones.”
The technology doesn’t replace a key with a digital passcode, instead each time a delivery driver requests access to a customer’s home, Amazon verifies that the correct driver is at the right address, at the intended time, through an encrypted authentication process. Once this process is successfully completed, Amazon Cloud Cam starts recording and the door is then unlocked. Deliveries are also covered by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee.
Amazon Key will also offer an option for residents keen to allow access to their property to friends and service providers when not at home.
Amazon Key has initially been made available in 37 cities across the US.