The world’s largest online retailer on Wednesday announced Amazon Key, a lock and camera system that users control remotely to let delivery associates slip goods into their houses. Customers can create temporary passcodes for friends and other services professionals to enter as well.
The move, in the works for more than a year, may help Amazon capture sales from shoppers who could not make it home to receive an order in person, and did not want the package stolen from their doorstep. It also signals Amazon’s ambitions in the growing market for home security devices, where Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Nest Labs competes.
“This is not an experiment for us,” said Peter Larsen, Amazon vice president of delivery technology. “This is a core part of the Amazon shopping experience from this point forward.”