Amazon's new app for shopping...

[coltle6920]

Amazon employees will soon test a new app that allows you to shop by merely scanning an item,put it in a bag and walk out of the store.The concept is no more waiting in lines.Of course the store has to be online with it as well.

I see multiple unintended consequences here.Who will check your bags to make sure there aren't items in there that you didn't scan? This looks like an avenue for professional shoplifters to ply their trade without suspicion.

As a prank one could call the police and watch as they tackle an old lady as she exits the store.You wouldn't be able to tell the shoppers from the thieves.

Until they make smartphones unable to be hacked I don't see a future for this app...at least not from those of us with a head on our shoulders.

 

[Rastoff]

Who will check your bags to make sure there aren't items in there that you didn't scan?

This is easy and we've been using the technology for years; RFID tags.

Simply tag every item with an RFID. Once the buyer scans it, that tag is entered into the system as OK to leave. Then as you walk out, the scanner at the door, which just about every store has these days, either lets you through or alerts security.

Oh yeah, there will be issues and kinks to work out, but this is the future of shopping in person.

 

[BC38]

A unique RFID tag for each and every item on every shelf in the whole store? Are the tags cheap enough for that to be practical? How reliable and/or prone to false alarms are the scanners at the door?

 

[coltle6920]

The APP is called "Amazon Go" and there's a video on YouTube if you're interested.It seems that only people that are using the app can enter the store.Otherwise I can think of a few ways that might possibly beat the system.

Seems like just another way to put more people out of work to me.

 

[chief38]

I buy most items (not food of course) online these days mostly so I can get EXACTLY what I want and not have to settle for what the local retail stores carry. I almost never buy on Amazon any longer as their prices are rarely the best I can find. Once in a while - - - yes I do, but they are no longer my go-to site for merchandise. I do however "use them" as a resource for information, reviews and pictures.

I totally resent the fact that they are known for changing pricing from day to day depending on what other websites you have visited. The first few times I experienced this I thought I was nuts, but after closer review and talking with friends it seems it is a common practice on Amazon.