Amazon Launches Alexa-Powered Smart Cloud Cam With Amazon Key Delivery Service

Amazon has taken the wraps off of a new home camera device – Cloud Cam – that will be required in order to take advantage of a new service that it has also shown off for the first time, Amazon Key.

The camera, which offers all the usual capabilities that we have come to expect from wireless, WiFi-connected cameras, will enable owners to have Amazon orders delivered inside their home even when they are not present, assuming they have a compatible smart lock installed.

Starting things off with the camera that makes everything work, the new Alexa-enabled Cloud Cam is capable of capturing 1080p video. There’s support for night vision and a two-way audio setup that will allow users to converse with someone whilst out of the house, too. The camera also uses a wide-angle lens in order to capture as much of what goes on as possible, and 24 hour’s worth of footage will be accessible via the Cloud Cam app for those who need to be able to review footage. Potential customers can purchase one camera for $119.99, or get it bundled with a compatible smart lock + free installation for $249.99 if they also opt for the Amazon Key in-home delivery bundle. Those who need more than one camera can also buy in bulk, with options for a two-pack at $199.99 or a three-pack for $289.99.

Where things really start to get interesting however is the new Amazon Key service which will take advantage of the new camera and a compatible smart lock. With all of the required pieces in place, users will be able to have items from Amazon delivered into their homes even when they are not around. Deliveries via Amazon Logistics will be eligible for the service, and drivers will have an app that allows them to scan a barcode on a parcel and have the magic of the Internet of Things work to unlock the door in front of them. Once the parcel has been deposited, the door is locked again via the driver’s app.

All of this will of course be captured via the Cloud Cam, with home owners receiving a notification before a delivery is attempted. Drivers will be instructed to knock or ring the door-bell before letting themselves in, but the Cloud Cam will record everything that happens so those waiting for a delivery can observe the process to ensure everything is above board.

Additionally, Amazon is telling us that the Cloud Cam has a much smarter side to it than what meets the eye.

The advanced motion detection and computer vision technology provides customizable notifications in the Cloud Cam App, so you only get the alerts that matter to you. When activity is detected, Cloud Cam sends a mobile notification and stores the clip securely to review. With intelligence that lives in the AWS cloud, over time you will see more advanced detection, alerts, and other new features become available in the service and on the camera itself, such as advanced audio alerts or pet detection, without having to purchase a new device.

Amazon Prime customers can pre-order the Cloud Cam today, with the Amazon Key service set to go live on November 8th. Right now, this appears to be something only available to customers in the United States.

Buy: Cloud Cam from Amazon: $119

You may also like to check out:

You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the Web.