Amazon Expands Palm-Scanning Technology to Businesses
Amazon has just announced its plan to expand its palm-scanning technology to the business world with the launch of Amazon One Enterprise.
Repackaging its palm-based payment system, the company’s new technology product allows corporate employees to use their hand to authenticate access to their workplace or to sensitive information. Companies such as IHG Hotels and Resorts, Boon Edam, and Kone have already subscribed to the service. Amazon One Enterprise is currently available in the U.S. but has not yet disclosed the cost of the service.
In addition to convenience, Amazon is positioning its palm-scanning technology as a more cost-effective and secure solution for enterprises than more traditional security methods like fobs, badges, or passwords. “Businesses appreciate the privacy and convenience for their users, who can access physical locations and software assets with just a hover of their palm,” said Dilip Kumar, a vice president at Amazon Web Services Applications.
This isn’t the first time Amazon has ventured into the biometric technology space. In 2020, the company introduced its biometric payment system, mainly aimed at shoppers for contactless payments. It has since been adopted by Whole Foods grocery stores, Go convenience marts, Fresh supermarkets, sports and entertainment venues, and some Starbucks and Panera Bread locations. However, not everyone is on board with the technology. Advocacy groups have criticized the palm-scanning service over privacy and surveillance concerns.
Despite the criticisms, Amazon says its palm recognition technology is more private, and it does not capture purchase data from scans collected by non-Amazon stores.
This expansion of Amazon’s biometric technology into business solutions is a pattern the company has followed before. Notably, just earlier this month, Amazon launched Astro for Business, a version of its household robot, which it is marketing as a security guard for businesses.
Black Friday was the biggest ever for Amazon
In an interview, the Amazon executive Kara Hurst declared that “This year’s Black Friday was our biggest ever in company history”.
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