Amazon Expands Its Palm Recognition Payment Tech To More of Its Stores (theverge.com) 25
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Verge: Amazon One, the technology that lets customers pay in shops by scanning their palm, is expanding to more stores in the greater Seattle area. The company says it's available starting today in its 4-star store in Lynnwood, and in the coming weeks, Amazon One is also coming to its Amazon Books store in Bellevue and its 4-star and Pop Up stores in South Lake Union. In total, 12 of Amazon's physical stores will soon feature the technology.
The e-commerce giant announced its palm recognition Amazon One system last year. It works by scanning your hand and identifying its unique characteristics like surface area details and vein patterns. Palm scanning technology has been around for a few years, and it's pretty secure as biometric security methods go, though there are concerns about how Amazon might use the data gathered as part of the system. So far, Amazon has made Amazon One available as a payment option across a number of its own-branded physical stores around Seattle. But in the longer term, the company hopes the convenience factor of being able to confirm your identity using just your hand will convince third-party businesses to use the service, too.
The e-commerce giant announced its palm recognition Amazon One system last year. It works by scanning your hand and identifying its unique characteristics like surface area details and vein patterns. Palm scanning technology has been around for a few years, and it's pretty secure as biometric security methods go, though there are concerns about how Amazon might use the data gathered as part of the system. So far, Amazon has made Amazon One available as a payment option across a number of its own-branded physical stores around Seattle. But in the longer term, the company hopes the convenience factor of being able to confirm your identity using just your hand will convince third-party businesses to use the service, too.
Palm (Score:2)
Does Amazon know my palm?
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
I had a Palm III and Palm V, not sure if they know that.
Never had a Palm. I started with Handsprings which I thought were better.
Re: (Score:2)
"Does Amazon know my palm?"
Talk to the hand.
Great (Score:2)
Now theyâ(TM)ll have access to your fortune. Think of the revenue and targeted ads from knowing that.
Really? (Score:3)
Is it really that hard and troublesome to use a credit card, a debit card or Apple Pay/Google Pay on your smartphone?
Re: (Score:2)
Those are all replaceable with new codes in no way affiliated with you. In some cases (Apple/Google Pay) I believe it's a unique code each time. In all other cases you can get a new code with a call to the company. And they are all completely artificial and not tied directly to your natural person (except name), so how will Amazon make sure they're building a profile of the correct person.
Re: (Score:2)
so how will Amazon make sure they're building a profile of the correct person.
Because those codes are in fact directly affiliated with you.
Re: (Score:2)
I mean, they can be. You can also get a (prepaid) credit or debit card in no way affiliated with you. And the point of Apple/Google Pay is a major company anonymizing codes from you. Hell, VISA and MC will generate one-time CC numbers (depending on the issuer) for use online as well.
Of course, it eventually resolves to you for payment, but the retailer may not be able to do so.
Re: (Score:2)
Of course, it eventually resolves to you for payment, but the retailer may not be able to do so.
Ya, I was being more abstract.
Apple and your card issuer know who you are, where you were, etc.
Expectation of privacy when using a bank or credit card is essentially nil [fastcompany.com]
While Ma and Pop may not be able to resolve who you were, there's a very good chance that Amazon, or anyone who can offer up the work to de-anonymize the data, can.
I can see it now (Score:5, Funny)
Amazon automated register: Please enter your method of payment.
Buyer: Talk to the hand!
Amazon automated register: Palm recognized and payment processed. Share and enjoy!
Re: I can see it now (Score:1)
Twist: The hand was not his own!
Someday there will be a movie (Score:2)
Re: Someday there will be a movie (Score:1)
You mean Demolition Man?
Re: (Score:2)
Re: Hairy Palm (Score:1)
No need. Just ask you handler at the zoo. ;)
Re: (Score:2)
Revelation 13:16-17 (Score:2)
Brings new meaning to. (Score:2)
Coming to an ad near you: Security gloves.
Once somebody steals your palmprint data (Score:4, Insightful)
You'll have to get a new hand.
Re: Once somebody steals your palmprint data (Score:1)
This right here.
And: Not if. When!
obvious failurre modes (Score:2)
1. "I don't need your password, I only need your hand". BYO axe or machete.
2. fire, serious accident, amputation, or other injuries which significantly alter, destroy, or remove your hand(s) - you no longer have access to your account.
3. hack amazon's system, upload new hand data. you now own the account. Original owner can't reclaim because "computer says no. palm doesn't match" and none of the underpaid customer "support" shit-kickers are willing to risk their job (or risk being convicted of some identi
It's not secure at all! (Score:1)
It's like carrying your password openy on your forehead. ;)
All I need to copy it, is hand you a drink in a special glass. *Turns up heat* . . . Thirsty?