Amazon Go is at the forefront of revolutionizing the way we approach mobile payments. Mobile devices offer incredible ways in which we can interact with the world. Whether by chatting with friends through multiple platforms, playing videogames on the go, uploading media to our social networks, the possibilities are endless and they are always enticing.
One such ability comes in the form of mobile payment. We’ve studied what it is and how to apply it in past articles but now, thanks to Amazon, things might start to get more interesting.
Mobile payment and QR codes
Mobile payment applications go hand in hand with QR codes. Retail stores use them by allowing their customers to purchase products in-store without having to waste time in queue lines. Also, users can compare products, read reviews and access special information, all through their mobile devices.
This is all possible thanks to QR codes; a technology that binds the digital and physical world together. As mobile payment applications grow, new QR code uses rise. Such is the case of Amazon with…
Amazon GO
Amazon’s latest endeavor is called Amazon GO and with it, grocery shopping will change for the better.
The technology’s name is actually quite catchy and gets straight to the point: Just Walk Out Technology. In layman terms, Amazon GO allows customers to purchase goods without having to checkout. Yes, seriously.
How does Amazon GO work?
Amazon GO uses different technologies. First there’s the free app. After downloading it to your mobile device and creating an Amazon account, you will be able to enter the store itself.
Upon entering an Amazon GO store, you simply have to open the app and hold your mobile device to an electronic turnstile. The system scans your unique QR code and boots up your virtual cart.
Then, pick up what you want (take the cheesecake cupcake!) and after you’re done, walk out the store! This is where Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology comes into play. They explain:
“Our checkout-free shopping experience is made possible by the same types of technologies used in self-driving cars: computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning. Our Just Walk Out technology automatically detects when products are taken from or returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual cart. When you’re done shopping, you can just leave the store. Shortly after, we’ll charge your Amazon account and send you a receipt.”
So, according to this statement, shopping won’t be hindered by waiting in line. Something that many stores will sure want to offer to their customers if Amazon decides to license its proprietary technology.
In regards to availability, Amazon GO has a store in Seattle that is currently in Beta testing. It will open to the public in early 2017. You won’t want to miss it if you’re around the neighborhood.
Smart stores with QR codes
QR codes are just one of the many moving parts that make Amazon GO work. No surprise here since QR codes offer a great way to retrieve user information in order to validate their access to the store.
Among the endless possibilities that QR codes have at their disposal, this is one that promotes the “Smart” concept.
We’ve seen how Antwerp used QR codes for their public transportation systems, how Easy Taxi offered cab rides via QR codes and how Walmart Pay bridged the gap between e-commerce and in-store shopping… with QR codes.
Amazon is now joining the group of Smart endeavors that are based on QR code technology. And much like the examples above, this one proves why QR codes are still very relevant and why they keep garnering everyone’s attention.
