PHOTO: AMAZON

Amazon Releases Cloud Cam

The Cloud Cam is part of the online retailer’s new Amazon Key in-home delivery service, which was announced in late October.

• By Jessica Davis
• Nov 09, 2017

Amazon released the Amazon Cloud Cam, its new in-home security camera, on Wednesday, just in time for the holiday gift delivery season to begin. The Cloud Cam is part of the online retailer’s new Amazon Key in-home delivery service, which was announced in late October.

The Amazon Cloud Cam is designed to partner with the Amazon Key service to allow users of the in-home delivery service to keep an eye on their front door as drivers deliver packages. The camera’s Amazon Key Edition comes bundled with an Amazon Key compatible smart lock. When installed, users can download the Amazon Key app, which will allow them to track a delivery and record video as the door is unlocked and drivers place the packages inside. Users can watch the delivery in real time or review the video on the app once the delivery is complete.

The Amazon Cloud Cam can also be used for general home security. It provides 24/7 monitoring in 1080p Full HD with night vision and two-way audio, and users can watch the last 24 hours of clips for free. The Cloud Cam records video when triggered by motion and can notify users via the Cloud Cam App when there’s activity.

Users can pair the camera with Amazon’s voice assistant and ask Alexa to show camera footage on the screens of the Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV and Fire Tablets. Amazon also offers subscriptions that allow access to more storage and advanced features such as the abilities to download and share clips or set Zones, which are user-selected areas where the camera should ignore activity, such as television screens or fish tanks.

Amazon Key in-home delivery is currently available only to Prime members living in select areas, and an Amazon Key In-Home kit including the Cloud Cam and compatible smart lock is required. In the coming months, Amazon will provide customers with the ability to allow home access to a wider range of professional service providers, such as cleaning services or pet sitters.