Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. Smart Home News

Amazon is taking a photo of your front door to show you where your package is

By

Image of Amazon packages delivered to a home. Amazon is the largest internet based retailer in the United States. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Amazon is delivering more than just your packages these days — it is also delivering photos. As part of the company’s efforts to make it even easier for you to receive your online orders, Amazon has taken to taking photos of your doorway to show exactly where your packages are being deposited. This will hopefully cut down on customer confusion, and also serves as photographic evidence of the successful delivery of your precious cargo.

Recommended Videos

Amazon’s new picture-taking practice might also allow delivery folks to leave packages in more inconspicuous spots, like behind a bush or in a flower pot, as USA Today notes. Why would someone do such a thing, you ask? Given the rise in package stealers, having a safe and somewhat surprising place to put your packages may not be such a bad idea and being able to document where that place is makes things easier.

Related: 
Best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more

The new service is called Amazon Logistics Photo on Delivery and according to a company spokesperson, is “one of many delivery innovations we’re working on to improve convenience for customers.” Amazon Logistics in and of itself is one of those delivery innovations — it’s an Amazon-owned delivery network that is completely separate from other delivery services like FedEx or UPS. And while the Photo on Delivery program has been rolling out in batches for the last six months, it’s becoming more widespread. Now, folks who receive packages in the Seattle, San Francisco, and northern Virginia metro areas will likely be receiving photographic notifications of their delivery’s safe arrival.

Of course, if the thought of someone taking a photo of your property doesn’t really sit all that well with you, don’t worry — Amazon is giving you a way to opt out of the feature, too. Simply head over to the Amazon website and navigate to the help and customer service tab. From there, you should be able to tell Amazon folks not to take an unapproved photo (assuming the photo-taking option is even available to you). But if you’re interested in seeing exactly where your packages are at the end of the day, Photo on Delivery may be the feature you have been waiting for.
Lulu Chang
Lulu Chang
Former Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

Echo Spot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device is better for your smart home?
The Echo Spot on a shelf.

The Echo Spot is a new smart alarm clock from Amazon, though it looks eerily similar to the existing Echo Pop. Both offer a similar, semi-ircle design -- though the Echo Spot is equipped with a touchscreen while the Pop is largely controlled via voice commands. There are a handful of other differences between the Echo Spot and Echo Pop, and since the Echo Spot is much more expensive than the Pop, you'll want to take a close look at both before opting for the fancy new gadget.

From pricing and design to sound quality and additional features, here's everything you need to know about the Echo Spot and Echo Pop.
Pricing and design

Read more
The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door
The Philips Palm Reader smart lock on a blue door.

Philips just launched a slew of new products, headlined by the Philips Home Access 5000 Series Palm Recognition Smart Lock. The device works not just with a physical key, PIN code, or Philips mobile app, but also with the built-in palm scanner -- making it one of the most futuristic smart locks of 2024.

According to Philips, the scanner works by tracking "unique palm vein patterns," making it nearly impossible to hack and offering families an ultra-secure way to lock their front door. Setup is just as easy as most other smart locks, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi so you can get up and running without the need for a secondary bridge. It also works with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Read more
Amazon’s drone delivery ambitions receive major boost
An Amazon delivery drone dropping off a package.

An Amazon delivery drone drops off a package. Amazon

It’s been 11 years since Amazon founder Jeff Bezos revealed that his company was looking to deliver orders to customers using small flying drones.

Read more