Amazon is introducing a new payment method that is taking center stage and everything you need is in the palm of your hand, literally, with some fearful of what the future holds.
It’s Already Arrived
This futuristic innovation, known as palm recognition technology, has already made its debut at every Whole Foods store in the Valley, and it’s causing quite a stir.
The Rise of Palm Recognition
“It’s definitely the way of the future,” acknowledged tech expert Burton Kelso, referring to Amazon One, a cutting-edge palm recognition system that will transform the way you pay.
Your Identity in Your Palm
“Your information is tied to you,” Kelso explained, “Only one set of eyes, that matches your identity. Same thing with your fingerprints, same thing with palm recognition and facial recognition, so that’s a good thing.”
Convenient or Worrying?
Some Amazon customers, like Daniel Welsh, see the brilliance in it. “It just makes the transition out of the grocery store a lot faster,” he said, but others aren’t as excited.
Lingering Doubts
Another customer, Cesar Martinez voiced his concern, “Why would you scan your finger or eyes or anything to buy groceries?” He said, worried.
The Fear Factor
A third customer, Andrea Chavez summed up the mixed emotions: “It freaks me out. I’m not going to say that I’m not going to do it maybe sometime for convenience. But it freaks me out.”
Teaching Our Children
Others also have argued that our kids may never learn the value of money if it’s just a swipe of the palm away each time you want to make a purchase.
Addressing the Fears
Addressing these fears, Kelso reassured, “Part of the fear that people may see is that someone may cut off a limb like you see in the movies in order to pay for stuff. But that isn’t going to happen. For the most part, your biometric data is safe and is going to make the future of transactions a lot easier to deal with.”
Safe and Secure
Kelso went on to argue that hacking into accounts with traditional passwords is actually easier than one with your palm.
Smaller Businesses Aren’t So Keen
While Amazon is making strides in palm recognition technology with its presence in Whole Foods and other venues, such as Panera and airports, some smaller businesses are holding back due to having just forked out for their current payment systems.
Amazon’s Ambitious Plan
Amazon’s ambitious plan is to bring palm-scanning technology to over 500 Whole Foods locations across the US by the end of the year.
How Does it Work?
This technology, known as Amazon One, enables customers to link their Amazon accounts and payment information to their unique palm prints, all you have to do is hover your palm over a scanner to complete a transaction.
Identity Controversy
This innovation isn’t just about payments; it’s also about identification.
Amazon One is also being used in sports stadiums and casinos, to verify guests’ ages for age-restricted purchases.
Cloud Storage Concerns
Despite the promise of convenience, concerns have arisen about Amazon’s approach of storing palm signatures in the cloud, as opposed to on a physical device, raising concerns about data hacking.
What Do You Think?
Do you think this is an exciting advancement in technology or one to be wary of?
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