Amazon Key is a new service that lets couriers unlock your front door

By Ben Popper 

Twelve years ago, Amazon launched Prime, a subscription service that entitled members to free two-day shipping in the United States. Since then, it has added a number of options to make delivery faster and more convenient. Prime customers can get same-day delivery, and drop off with an hour or two on some items. Of course, customers aren’t always home to receive their packages. So Amazon started putting lockers in nearby convenience stores and building lobbies. It even showed off drones that could drop the package right into your backyard. Today it’s taking the obvious next step and introducing a service that will allow Amazon couriers to open your front door and put your package safely inside your home.

The service is called Amazon Key, and it relies on a Amazon’s new Cloud Cam and compatible smart lock. The camera is the hub, connected to the internet via your home Wi-Fi. The camera talks to the lock over Zigbee, a wireless protocol utilized by many smart home devices.

When a courier arrives with a package for in-home delivery, they scan the barcode, sending a request to Amazon’s cloud. If everything checks out, the cloud grants permission by sending a message back to the camera, which starts recording. The courier then gets a prompt on their app, swipes the screen, and voilà, your door unlocks. They drop off the package, relock the door with another swipe, and are on their way. The customer will get a notification that their delivery has arrived, along with a short video showing the drop-off to confirm everything was done properly.

The system works with locks from Yale and Kwikset, two well-known brands. But the other piece, the connected camera, is made by Amazon, and that’s a really big deal. Amazon is pushing even further into the smart home space, a market it’s made big strides in, thanks to the huge popularity of its Alexa devices. Amazon’s Cloud Cam is a central piece of its Key service, but it’s also just a straightforward home security camera, one that can respond to voice commands and integrates with other Alexa devices. Amazon is planning to sell them in bundles and offer a subscription service for customers who want video archives and advanced home monitoring, putting the product in direct competition with Alphabet’s Nest brand and others in the smart home space, like Ring and Logitech.

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For your local source for high quality, affordable automotive, residential and commercial lock & key services, visit Brookhaven Locksmith Pros

Brookhaven Locksmith Pros in Brookhaven, GA: What to Do in Different Lockout Situations

When you can’t find your keys, it’s very easy to get in a frenzy. But, is it really worth it when you have good locksmiths around such as Brookhaven Locksmith Pros in Brookhaven, GA? If you’re locked out or you ever get locked out, just stay as calm as you can. Sometimes you think you’re locked out but you’re really not. And, if you really are locked out, there are many ways that you can alleviate the problem that you’re facing.

If you’ve never been locked out, then you’re among the lucky few in this world. But, most of us have been locked out at some time or another. How do you deal with it? Do you just break down and surrender to the mercies of a good Samaritan? Are you one of those persons who will think clearly right away and make a very rational decision? Perhaps you’re always a little unsure of what to do, and you have to call and ask a friend for suggestions.

No matter what you end up doing, we hope that you never have to suffer through a lockout for any extended period. If you’ve never faced a lockout or you’ve faced many but you’re still unsure of how to handle it, we hope this article will help you. So, is there anything that the professionals recommend when it comes to a lockout?

Well, How About Not Getting Locked Out in the First Place? 

Easier said than done, right? But is it really that hard to prevent a lockout? There are many things that you can do to make sure that you always have a key for your locks. Sure, there are a few situations that you may not be able to control. However, if you always have a back-up plan in mind, you’ll have a great solution for those unforeseen situations. So, what can you do to avoid getting locked out? Here are a few things that the pros recommend.

1. Keep your keys close by

This tip may seem a bit weird. Who leaves their keys far away expecting to find them whenever they need them? But, you maybe surprised to find out the amount of people that just leave their keys laying around in random places. If you’re out and about, check for your keys before leaving every stop. If you’re in a mall, check for your keys before leaving each store. It’s a simple thing. But forgetting to ensure that you always have your keys may cause you to continually experience lockouts.

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Brookhaven Locksmith Pros: When to Replace Locks

No matter how much money you paid for those locks that you have at home, they will not last forever. Did you know that? Sure, you can have them for many years. But, it doesn’t mean that they will always be effective at protecting you. Many people don’t really consider this fact. But, it is important that you are aware of it so that you know when to swap out your old locks!

At some point in time, your locks will become worn and need to be replaced. Brookhaven Locksmith Pros in Brookhaven, GA will be there to help you when that time comes. If you live in or close to the Brookhaven area, call us when you need a locksmith.

Is It Time for New Locks? 

This is a very interesting question. Why? Many people think that when a locksmith recommends new locks, they are just trying to make an extra buck or two. Perhaps this is so with some locksmiths. But, that is why you need to make sure that you select a locksmith that has your best interest at heart (go with one that is licensed, to start).

However, the truth is that locksmiths are trained to tell when locks are functioning well and when they are not. There are some things that you may miss that the locksmith will see. Once you trust your locksmith, make sure you follow the advice you are given. It may end up saving you a lot of hassle in the long run.

So, now you know that locks are not immortal. How can you tell when it’s time to have them replaced? Well, you could call a locksmith to inspect your locks periodically. But, there are several signs that you can look out for.

• Rust

If you don’t notice anything else about your lock, this should be something that is very noticeable. You may notice that you have quite a bit of rust on your locks but you ignore it because you just think the lock is being exposed to the elements and rust forms. You are certainly right. However, rust can compromise the effectiveness of the lock. It may make it easier for burglars to cut through that lock or damage it in other ways. If you notice rust on your locks, try to change them as soon as possible.

• Difficult to insert or remove the key

This is a sure sign that it is time for new locks. You shouldn’t have to struggle with your locks to get them opened or to close them. Come on now! Were they always like that? If your answer is yes, then you have been using a faulty lock all along. It shouldn’t take much effort for to open or close any lock. If you are having problems with the lock, get rid of it!

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What to Do When You Have Transponder Key Issues

You may use a transponder key and not even know it. If you have a key that enables you to open your car door without placing directly into the door, you have a transponder key. Newer model automobiles are designed to be used with a transponder key. The transponder key also enables you to set your alarm, open your trunk and start the engine with your transponder key. Your key has what is known as a chip inside. This chip then sends a signal to a computer that is associated specifically with your car. Once the signal is received, your key will unlock your steering and enable you to activate your cars ignition. Transponder keys are very common today. The other benefit of having a transponder key is that they make stealing a car more difficult to do. Yes, as you probably guessed it, a transponder key is definitely more expensive than a standard key, but reasonably so. Just consider the benefits and you’ll clearly understand why this is the case. However, when considering the benefits, you must also consider the disadvantages associated with having a transponder key.

At Brookhaven Locksmith Pros, we always recommend that you have an extra transponder key made. You are usually offered an additional key when you buy your car. If you are not, you should certainly ask how you can get another one. In many cases, you can negotiate the cost of an additional transponder key into the price of the car. If you ever lose your existing key, it will be less of a hassle getting back inside if there is a spare one that someone can bring to you. Having a transponder key made can be expensive, this is why you should always negotiate with the dealership whenever you can, to get another key. You can rest assured that relying on the services of a locksmith for a new transponder key is less expensive than getting it from a dealership, unless they include it in the price of your car.

Just be aware of the fact that even though it is more difficult to steal your car with a transponder key, if your key is ever stolen, a thief can easily drive off in your car. Let’s just say, for instance, your key falls out of your car in a parking lot. Someone who wants to steal your car only needs to press a button to determine which vehicle that key belongs to. Once the car has been identified, they can just hop in and take off.

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