Amazon One has undertaken its biggest expansion yet. It has begun testing its payment technology involving palm-scanning to Whole Foods. For now, it is only available in one store in Seattle, Amazon’s home city.
Amazon One Continues Experimentation
Amazon has included the Amazon One technology for payment in other Seattle Amazon-brand stores. This includes Amazon Books and Amazon Go. However, the introduction to Whole Foods will be the most significant expansion for the technology till now. The company claims that thousands have already agreed to be on board Amazon One as customers.
According to a FAQ by Amazon, the technology that scans your palm analyzes the smallest characteristics and details of a person’s palm. This includes details on the surface such as ridges and lines and also subcutaneous traits like vein patterns. Using the information, the technology identifies customers and allows the use of biometric scans as a faster, alternative method for checking out. This eliminates the need to fumble with the wallet and fish out cash or credit cards.
There will be kiosks where customers can have their palms registered, in the specific store for Whole Foods. It will also let them associate their actual credit card with the palm scan. However, Amazon One customers who have existing registration will possibly have to get their cards linked once more to make them usable at Whole Foods. Moreover, Amazon One customers can get the Prime accounts linked so that they can apply any discounts available on the subscription service.
Amazon One is set to have its debut at Seattle’s Whole Foods at Madison Broadway and will be available as an extra payment option to the customers. Currently, there are plans for an expansion to seven more stores for Whole Foods in Seattle in the upcoming few months. For now, there are no thoughts of testing the technology beyond Seattle.
