Amazon Key now works with more smart door locks than ever

By Ashley Timms on Apr 16, 2018, 7:17 pm EDT under Daily Digest

Redefining the smart home space yet again, Amazon released Amazon Key to allow your deliveries to be placed safely inside your home. But, do the risks of granting access to your home outweigh the benefits?

Amazon Key now works with more smart door locks than ever

Amazon Key allows Amazon delivery drivers to securely place your packages inside your home by being able to unlock and re-lock your door.
Of course, many people are intrigued with a healthy dose of apprehension. Allowing a stranger into your home can seem very unsettling. One hacker proved just how hackable this system is, leading many to question whether Amazon Key will be around for long.
However, Amazon recently purchased Ring, the smart doorbell company. This acquisition, along with two other smart doorbell brands, could elevate the security for Amazon Key to give everyone peace of mind.

Last year when Amazon launched their in-home delivery service, it seemed like an invitation for burglars. Logically speaking, the whole idea may sound technologically rich and innovative but, at the end of the day, it’s another entry point to your home. Naturally, the idea wasn’t very well accepted in the tech community. In fact, there were many skeptics who considered this innovation to be a big glitch in Amazon’s history. But, we are talking about a brand that is known for breaking the mold and designing things that challenge our current methods. Considering who is behind this idea, we feel Amazon Key is worth a try. But, before diving in and upgrading your smart door lock, let’s understand the technology behind it.

Amazon Key allows Amazon delivery drivers to securely place your packages inside the house.

What is Amazon Key all about?

Like most smart door locks, Amazon Key is a system that allows you to monitor your door from anywhere with the help of a mobile app. The kit includes the Amazon Cloud Cam home security camera and a compatible smart door lock. Together, they let you take control of your front door even when you aren’t home. You can give keyless access to your friends, family, or even a courier, all at the touch of a button. The fact that this entire system is compatible with Alexa only makes your job even easier. You can even start the Cloud Cam from anywhere in the world and see who has entered your home in your absence.

In-home delivery service is the icing on the cake

Now, what makes Amazon Key kit different from most other smart home systems is the in-home delivery service. This helps you get your package from Amazon delivered inside your house so you can avoid another case of package theft. You need to be an Amazon Prime user to use this service and, for now, it’s currently only available in selected cities in the US. When the courier arrives, Amazon authorizes the delivery themselves and communicates with the courier via an app. Then, the Cloud Cam automatically opens the door for them and they can leave the package inside. You get instant mobile notifications when your package is delivered. If you want, you can also watch the delivery live on your phone or view it later.

Amazon Key in-home delivery service

The purpose of Amazon Key is to make your online shopping experience even easier (as if 1-Click ordering wasn’t enough). Martin Lindstrom, the author of several books on branding, has said:

Dopamine kicks in when we’re buying stuff — there’s a reptile brain that tells us we need to gather things before winter happens. The more we have to fight for things, the less likely we are to return it after. When it’s delivered on Amazon Prime, you forget it was so hard to get this product.

Smart door locks are accepting this technology

Although the initial response of Amazon Key has been on the negative side, more and more smart door locks are getting in on the action. With the acquisition of Ring and Blink, both prominent smart home security brands, Amazon Key has a chance to really change the way we shop online. Yes, there have been cases where the security of this technology has been challenged but, nevertheless, we are sure Amazon can figure it out.

Amazon Key mobile app

For now, let’s take a look at the smart door locks that are already compatible with Amazon Key:

Kwikset Kevo Convert Smart Lock Kit

Easily installing to replace your existing deadbolt, this smart lock gives you the ability to monitor your door no matter where you are. Using the app, you can control Kevo Convert and even grant access to your friends and family when you’re out.

Kwikset SmartCode 914 Deadbolt with Home Connect

This lock can wirelessly communicate with other smart devices around your house. You can lock and unlock your door as well as check the door look status from the corresponding mobile app. It has a one-touch locking motorized deadbolt for total ease of use.

In addition these three, three more locks from the Kwikset have also been added to the Amazon Key league recently. These include:

With these two brands now a part of the Amazon Key game, the total number of locks compatible with Amazon Key has more than doubled. It’s clear that plenty more smart lock brands will join this movement, especially with the latest Amazon acquisitions. We hope this technology succeeds but we’re certainly aware of the risks. What do you think?

Ashley Timms

Ashley Timms is an editor at Gadget Flow where she gets to write about the most incredible products in the world. When she’s not writing, she’s producing fine art dog photography.

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