Amazon One, the new contactless way to pay with your palm

Summary

Amazon One, a payment system, is being tested in Whole Foods stores in the Bay Area, allowing customers to pay by scanning their palm. The technology uses vision technology to create a unique palm signature, linked to a credit card, for contactless payments. While some customers express privacy concerns, Amazon assures that palm images are encrypted and not stored on the device. Experts highlight potential risks, such as data breaches or device tampering, but acknowledge the convenience and future potential of this technology.

Takeaways

• 🤚 Amazon One is a payment system that allows customers to scan their palm to pay.
• 🏪 The system has been tested at several stores in the Bay Area and may soon be available in Whole Foods stores.
• 🛒 The system works by scanning your palm above a device, creating a unique palm signature connected to your credit card.
• ⏱️ It takes less than a minute to set up the palm signature, making the process quick and easy.
• 🛑 Some customers are uncomfortable with the idea, raising concerns about privacy and security.
• 🔐 Palm images are encrypted and not stored on the device, but there are still concerns about data being vulnerable to hackers.
• ⚠️ Privacy concerns include the use of personal data and DNA for payments, which some people find excessive.
• 👨‍💻 Experts acknowledge that while the technology is generally safe, phishing or device tampering is a potential risk.
• 🧑‍💼 There is a possibility of fraud, such as someone replacing the palm scanner to steal data, similar to skimming devices used on ATMs.
• 🚀 Despite these concerns, many believe the technology represents the future of payment systems due to its convenience.

Q & A

What is Amazon One, as mentioned in the transcript?

Amazon One is a payment system that allows customers to pay by scanning their palm. The system has been tested in several stores and is expected to be introduced to Whole Foods stores in the Bay Area.

How does the palm scanning technology work?

The technology uses a unique palm signature created when a customer holds their hand above a scanning device. The palm signature is linked to the customer’s credit card, allowing them to pay by hovering their palm over the scanner.

What is the general opinion of customers about using palm scanning technology for payment?

Some customers are excited about the convenience of the palm scanning technology, while others express concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of personal data.

What are the main privacy concerns mentioned by customers regarding palm scanning technology?

Customers are concerned about the use of personal biometric data, like their palm signature, for payments. Some are worried that their DNA or other sensitive information could be exploited or hacked.

How does Amazon ensure the security of the palm images?

Amazon states that palm images are encrypted and sent to secure servers, and they are not stored on the scanning device itself, which adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access.

What is the potential security risk mentioned by the expert in the transcript?

The expert mentions the possibility of phishing attacks, where a hacker could replace the palm scanning device with a fraudulent one, similar to how skimmers are used to steal credit card information from payment terminals.

Why does the expert believe this technology is the future of payments?

The expert believes that palm scanning technology is the future of payments because it is convenient, allowing customers to pay quickly and easily by just scanning their palm.

How long does it take to create a palm signature for the Amazon One system?

According to the transcript, it takes less than a minute to create a palm signature with the Amazon One system.

What is the potential benefit of this technology for customers?

The main benefit for customers is convenience. They do not need to carry cards or cash; they can simply hover their palm to pay, making transactions faster and easier.

What is the main concern of the Whole Foods customer mentioned in the transcript?

The Whole Foods customer in the transcript feels uncomfortable with the idea of using their palm to pay, indicating that the concept doesn’t feel right to them, likely due to privacy concerns.