Amazon has expanded its palm recognition payment system, Amazon One, with a brand new app. This app allows users to leave the physical sign-up process and conveniently enroll in the service from the comfort of their couch. Let’s look into how Amazon One works, where you can use it, and the security features in place.

In short:

• Amazon One app simplifies palm recognition sign-up for contactless payments.
• Scan your palm to pay at restaurants, stores, and even enter age-restricted areas.
• Security measures and user privacy addressed by Amazon.

What is Amazon One?

Amazon One is a contactless payment system that uses a unique identifier: your palm. Instead of swiping a card or using your phone, you simply hover your hand over a scanner. The scanner captures intricate details of your palm’s surface and uses sophisticated algorithms to match it with your secure digital palm print stored in the cloud. This secure match authorizes your payment or verifies your identity.

How Does Amazon One App Work?

The new Amazon One app streamlines the enrolment process. Previously, users had to visit a physical Amazon One kiosk to create a palm profile. Now, with the app, you can sign up from anywhere. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Download the App: The Amazon One app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Create a Profile: Within the app, you can create a secure profile with basic information.
3. Capture Your Palm: Using your smartphone camera, you’ll take a high-resolution photo of your palm following on-screen instructions.
4. Link a Payment Method: Securely link your preferred payment method to your palm print for seamless transactions.
5. One-Time Verification: To finalize enrolment, you’ll still need to visit an Amazon One kiosk for a quick verification process. This step ensures the accuracy of the palm scan and adds an extra layer of security.

Where Can You Use Amazon One

Amazon One is gaining traction across various locations. Here are some of the places you might encounter it:

• Restaurants: Pay for your meal with a simple wave of your hand. No more waiting for the check or splitting bills at the table.
• Grocery Stores: The Amazon One app can be a lifesaver at stores like Whole Foods, allowing for a quick and hygienic checkout experience.
• Retail Stores: Stores like Amazon Go and other partner retailers might integrate Amazon One for a grab-and-go shopping experience.
• Venues and Events: Stadiums, airports, and concert venues can leverage Amazon One for contactless entry and age verification at bars.

Steps to use Amazon One

Step 1: Download the App

Grab the Amazon One app on iOS or Android.

Step 2: Create a Profile

Set up your profile with basic information.

Step 3: Capture Your Palm

Use your phone’s camera to take a high-quality picture of your palm.

Step 4: Link Payment

Securely connect your preferred payment method.

Step 5: Verify at Kiosk

Visit an Amazon One kiosk for a quick final verification step.

Step 6: Enjoy Contactless Payments

Hover your palm over the scanner to pay or identify yourself at participating locations.

Is Amazon One Safe to Use?

Security is a major concern with any biometric payment system. Here’s what Amazon assures users:

• Palm Image Encryption: Your palm image captured through the app is encrypted and securely transmitted to Amazon’s cloud storage.
• No Image Storage on Devices: The app doesn’t store your palm image on your phone, minimizing the risk of data breaches on personal devices.
• Matching with Secure Templates: Amazon One uses your palm’s unique characteristics to create a secure template, not an actual image, for matching purposes.

Who Uses Amazon One?

While convenient, Amazon One may not be for everyone. Here are some things to consider:

• Limited Locations: Currently, Amazon One is only available in select locations and partner stores.
• Privacy Concerns: Some users might be apprehensive about sharing biometric data like palm scans.
• Alternatives Exist: Contactless payments with credit cards or mobile wallets remain widely available.

Conclusion

The Amazon One app offers a glimpse into a future where paying and verifying identity can be done with a simple wave of your hand. While security measures are in place, user concerns about privacy and limited availability remain. Whether Amazon One becomes mainstream depends on its ability to address these concerns and provide a compelling value proposition to both consumers and businesses.

Frequently Asked Question – Amazon One

Is the Amazon One app free?

Yes, downloading and using the Amazon One app is free.

Is Amazon doing palm scanning?

Yes, Amazon One uses palm recognition technology for identification and payments.

Are palm scanners real?

Yes, palm scanners are real and have been used in various applications for access control and identification.

What is the use of Amazon One?

Amazon One is used for contactless payments and age verification at participating stores, restaurants, venues, and events.

How many people use Amazon One?

The exact number of users is not publicly available.

Does Amazon One store my palm image?

No, according to Amazon, your palm image is not stored on your device or Amazon’s servers in its entirety. A secure template is used for matching purposes.