Is it real acquisition this time by Google? Because there wasn't any press release link and very recently there was a rumour of a company being acquired by Google.
Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
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Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#142This is a german Packstation: http://images.computerwoche.de/images/computerwoche/bdb/1841... Welcome to the future, America. I'd be happy to see what a startup under Google can do, but the competition isn't exactly asleep.
The same was launched and failed in the same place (Toronto) in the year 2000, with locations at Go and Subway stations. I think Google will want to change the business model radically in some way.
Do you mean Empori? I think those guys failed because their business model was also in online retailing itself ...
http://www.dodgycoder.net/2012/08/empori-original-amazon-loc...
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#143Earlier quoted context omitted.
Genuine curiosity : why this reply to niels?
I'm just feeling goofy. I didn't mean anything by it.
I like the goofiness! I feel a little embarrassed for the people who will not or cannot recognize it as such.
The downvotes, well, those are, strictly speaking, justified. :)
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#144Self-driving cars + robot arm + bufferbox = extremely cheap, fully automated delivery service. Add a robotic distribution center http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdd6sQ8Cbe0 and you have an automated Amazon competitor. If, on top of that, Google turns your Google account into a bank account, you'll be able to buy literally with one click. Google's dominance in mobile with Android will ensure that everyone has a Google…
I'd like even more to see Self-driving van with bufferbox in the back. A mobile self-driving bufferbox if you want, that comes where you are. You schedule the delivery via a web/mobile interface, car arrives, you go, put in the one-time security code and get your package just like a normal bufferbox but at your home!
I think you missed the point, which is to deliver the package when you're not around.
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#145I'd love some data on what the demand is for this. Don't most people have a fixed address that can receive packages? Can anyone share a typical need that a large demographic has? I'm sure I'm missing something, so enlighten me....
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#146I'd love some data on what the demand is for this. Don't most people have a fixed address that can receive packages? Can anyone share a typical need that a large demographic has? I'm sure I'm missing something, so enlighten me....
You dont have to be at home when stuff arrives.
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#147Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#148Earlier quoted context omitted.
If you email is hacked you likely have bigger problems than a package or two going missing.
Email transport is done in plaintext on the public internet -- it provides no confidentiality or integrity.
Most e-mail users are using browser-based e-mail clients over HTTPS so in order to access the plaintext email one needs to tap the senders local network which would only work if the sender is not using an HTTPS webmail. Plaintext public internet attacks for email were more common when people used unsecured POP3 and IMAP.
Re: Google acquires BufferBox (YC S12)
#149Earlier quoted context omitted.
For Packstation they had some serious problems with phishing. At first you only needed your Packstation User Number and the PIN. They then disallowed logins with user number and required the membership card. But it seems they started skimming those, so starting from last month they send you a TAN to your cellphone when the package arrives and you need card+TAN. From what I see Bufferbox right now only has a few locat…
Amazon and Bufferbox did the sensible thing from the start: one time use access codes.
How long is the code? What happens if I approach a bufferbox in the middle of the night and try to brute force a TAN?