4 ms·

New Amazon Authentication Method - Christopher's Gentle Fist

16 points by ed 17y ago

javery 17y ago
You notice it says that it is still available? So if it says it's taken couldn't you now go use their pass phrase? I take it it only ships it to their address, but still seems like it would be a hassle to fix.
- brandon 17y ago
  If you look closely, it does appear that you need a PIN in addition to the passphrase. (not to say that a PIN is foolproof)
mattmaroon 17y ago
I really don't know what Amazon was thinking on this one. How is remembering some goofy passphrase and a pin, in addition to your Amazon password, any easier than just your Amazon password. This seems like a solution in need of a problem.
- thwarted 17y ago
  This seems like it is equivalent to "remote API key" that sites like Friendfeed provide, in that you don't need to give your amazon password to the other site. It's kind of like a disposable credit card number in that respect. It could use a different name and a better explanation, though. Additionally, I can't even list a site where I'd buy something using Amazon's payment gateway where this would be useful -- there just aren't as many as those that use, say, paypal.
- DannoHung 17y ago
  You wanna enter your Amazon account information on a third party website?
  - wmf 17y ago
    No, I would want the third-party site to redirect me to Amazon where I would enter my account information. Besides, if this silly phrase is equivalent then I wouldn't want to enter it into a third-party site either.
    - mattmaroon 17y ago
      Exactly. I see no difference between one set of creds that can purchase stuff with my Amazon info and another. I'd prefer something Paypal-ish.
- jseifer 17y ago
  As I understand it, you can hook up specific credit cards and addresses to different phrases. I use it to say "business visa" or "bankcard" for quick check-outs.
mcav 17y ago
Amazon Payphrase is thoroughly confusing. I still don't understand how it's supposed to make life easier; several of the comments here indicate that I'm not alone. It isn't explained very clearly.

16 points by ed 17y ago

You notice it says that it is still available? So if it says it's taken couldn't you now go use their pass phrase? I take it it only ships it to their address, but still seems like it would be a hassle to fix.

brandon 17y ago
If you look closely, it does appear that you need a PIN in addition to the passphrase. (not to say that a PIN is foolproof)

mattmaroon 17y ago

I really don't know what Amazon was thinking on this one. How is remembering some goofy passphrase and a pin, in addition to your Amazon password, any easier than just your Amazon password. This seems like a solution in need of a problem.

thwarted 17y ago
This seems like it is equivalent to "remote API key" that sites like Friendfeed provide, in that you don't need to give your amazon password to the other site. It's kind of like a disposable credit card number in that respect. It could use a different name and a better explanation, though. Additionally, I can't even list a site where I'd buy something using Amazon's payment gateway where this would be useful -- there just aren't as many as those that use, say, paypal.
DannoHung 17y ago
You wanna enter your Amazon account information on a third party website?
- wmf 17y ago
  No, I would want the third-party site to redirect me to Amazon where I would enter my account information. Besides, if this silly phrase is equivalent then I wouldn't want to enter it into a third-party site either.
  - mattmaroon 17y ago
    Exactly. I see no difference between one set of creds that can purchase stuff with my Amazon info and another. I'd prefer something Paypal-ish.
jseifer 17y ago
As I understand it, you can hook up specific credit cards and addresses to different phrases. I use it to say "business visa" or "bankcard" for quick check-outs.

mcav 17y ago

Amazon Payphrase is thoroughly confusing. I still don't understand how it's supposed to make life easier; several of the comments here indicate that I'm not alone. It isn't explained very clearly.