Introducing Amazon One: A New Way of Contactless Purchasing

 

Whether shopping at a grocery store or buying new items for your businesses, you may have used a variety of purchasing options, such as your debit/ credit card or even Apple Pay.

Well, I am here to tell you that there is now a new option in how you can pay for all your items; and all you need is the palm of your hand!

Amazon has now introduced a new payment method called Amazon One. The company stated that the new way to purchase items would be through a free identity service to simplify your shopping experience.

You will not need to carry so many cards with you.

Many people struggle with juggling cards within their wallets or may have simply forgotten their debit card at home. With Amazon One’s palm recognition, users will be able to purchase whatever they need as well as earn rewards quickly.

For example, let's say that you are buying a coffee or checking out at a grocery store; all you need to do is hover your hand over an Amazon One device, and whatever you need will be purchased. All you need is your credit card and phone number to sign up and, well, yourself when you make your purchase.

Why is Amazon One beneficial?

Amazon states the following:

• You'll need to intentionally scan your palm for it to work to purchase items. Therefore, you get to decide when and where to be recognized.
• Since palms are unique, this purchasing method cannot be used by anyone but you, which is beneficial for security purposes.
• This method will be contactless, where you won't have to touch anything.
• Since you no longer rely on a physical card, you can’t lose it, and it can’t be stolen, making the payment method more secure.

Public Reaction to Amazon One

In a Reddit conversation, users have expressed mixed feelings about Amazon One:

Concerns About Privacy:

Some users stated that they are worried about the potential invasion of privacy, mentioning Amazon's existing devices like Ring and Echo. They worry that Amazon One could further contribute to collecting personal data, including palm prints.

Skepticism About Convenience:

Others question the need for Amazon One, stating that traditional payment methods like credit cards or NFC payments using smartphones or smartwatches are already easy and convenient enough.

Humorous Speculation:

One user adds a touch of humor, suggesting that Amazon One might eventually be used for checking into "Amazon prisons" in the future.

Overall, despite mixed reactions, Amazon One illuminates a significant step forward when it comes to contactless payment methods. However, its success will most likely depend on how well Amazon addresses privacy concerns and why it may be valuable for consumers instead of methods such as Apple Pay and other patent options. Whether it becomes a widely adopted payment method or not, it certainly represents a noteworthy innovation in the world of retail and technology.