Okay, so today I messed around with Amazon’s “walkout technology,” you know, the whole “Just Walk Out” thing they’re pushing. I’ve been curious about it for a while, so I figured, why not give it a shot and see how it works firsthand?
Getting Started
First things first, I had to find a store that actually had this tech. Not all Amazon stores or Whole Foods locations are equipped yet. I did some quick searching on my phone and found an Amazon Go store not too far from me.
Before heading out, I made sure I had the Amazon app downloaded and that I was logged in with my Prime account. I also added a payment method to my account, just to be safe. I’ve heard you can also use your palm if you’ve got that set up with Amazon One, but I haven’t done that yet.
The Shopping Experience
When I got to the store, there was a gated entrance, like a subway turnstile. I opened the Amazon app, found the “In-Store Code” section, and a QR code popped up. I scanned that at the gate, and beep boop, I was in!
The store itself was pretty small, mostly snacks, drinks, and some pre-made meals. I grabbed a basket – felt weird not having a checkout line in mind, to be honest. I picked up a soda, a sandwich, and some chips. It felt super strange to just…put stuff in my bag. I kept looking around, expecting someone to tell me to put it back, like I was shoplifting or something. Old habits, I guess!
The “Just Walk Out” Part
Once I had everything I wanted, I literally just…walked out. No lines, no scanning, no nothing. Just that same gate I came in through. I kinda hesitated at the gate, half-expecting it to yell at me, but nope, it just opened and let me out.
Checking My Receipt
A few minutes later, I got a notification on my phone from the Amazon app. It was my receipt! It listed everything I grabbed, along with the prices. I gotta say, it was pretty accurate. No phantom items, no weird charges. So, the tech actually worked as advertised. Pretty cool!
My Overall Thoughts
Honestly, the whole experience was a little… unsettling, at first. It felt so unnatural to just grab stuff and walk out. But once I got over that initial weirdness, it was incredibly convenient. I can definitely see the appeal, especially if you’re in a hurry.
I wouldn’t say I’m completely sold on it replacing my regular grocery shopping, but for a quick grab-and-go situation? It’s pretty slick.I’m curious to see how this tech evolves and whether it becomes more widespread. It’s a little glimpse into the future, I guess.
