Amazon Unveils New Palm Recognition Tech That Allows Shoppers To Pay With Their Hand
Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has launched a palm recognition tech called Amazon One, which will enable one to use their hands to pay for goods instead of a smartphone or credit card.
Amazon One palm recognition tech being piloted in Seattle
The e-commerce retailer can link a stored credit card with one’s palm print, and users can use their hand to pay for goods at its stores. Amazon will first roll out the technology in Seattle’s home market at the Blanchard street and 7th Avenue and locations in South Lake Union at 300 Boren Avenue North. The technology involves using people’s hands to identify them and combine that with palm details such as ridges and lines to come up with a palm signature. All one has to do is place their palm over a sensor and buy goods at the checkout-free Amazon Go locations.
If the tech will become a hit among users, the company plans to make it available to other retailers. Amazon’s Physical Retail VP, Dilip Kumar, said that Amazon One will be an alternate payment or loyalty card option in most retail locations with a checkout device next to the counter’s conventional point of sale system. He added that is can also be used for locations like badging into work or entering a stadium as part of an existing entry point for easier and faster access to the location.
New contactless payment method timely in the wake of COVID-19
Kumar indicated in a blog that the tech is fast, convenient, and a contactless way people will enjoy making contactless payments. He added that the service has been designed securely and employs a custom-developed algorithm and hardware to create the palm signature. Although the retail giant has launched other ways of paying for goods at its app-linked and use camera, this latest tech has enhanced privacy levels. This initiative comes when consumers are considering contactless payment tech in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.