At CES 2019, the United States Postal Service presented a prototype for the USPS connected home mailbox. This device integrates the physical mailbox into the digital ecosystem of the smart home, giving the user better visibility, intuitive control and proactive security for their mail.
The device sits in a user’s mailbox and communicates with a bridge in the home. The bridge syncs with other smart devices in the home—like home assistants, televisions, security cameras, speakers and more—to send notifications, alerts, and information.
Users can see precisely and in real-time when their mail will arrive, review their mail remotely, place a hold on mail when they go on vacation or when the mailbox is full, monitor delivered mail and packages while away, keep tabs on important mail and set up specific alerts for when they arrive, and customize the mailbox’s communication so that alerts arrive on the devices that are on hand at any time.
The support of the USPS gives the user the power to tailor their personal experience of sending, receiving, and anticipating mail.
Connected Home Mailboxes
USPS Introduced a Tech-Infused Mailbox at CES 2019
Trend Themes
1. Smart Home Integration - The USPS connected home mailbox prototype highlights the trend of integrating physical mailboxes with the digital ecosystem of smart homes, presenting opportunities for seamless connectivity and enhanced user experience.
2. Proactive Mail Management - The connected home mailbox allows users to proactively manage their mail, including real-time tracking, remote review, vacation holds, and custom alerts, indicating the trend of personalized and convenient mail management solutions.
3. Digital-physical Integration - The bridge that syncs the connected home mailbox with other smart devices showcases the trend of bridging the gap between digital and physical technologies, opening up possibilities for seamless integration and unified user experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Smart Home Technology - The integration between the connected home mailbox and other smart devices suggests opportunities for companies in the smart home technology industry to create innovative products that enhance communication and convenience for users.
2. Mail and Package Delivery - The connected home mailbox's tracking, notification, and hold features present disruptive innovation opportunities within the mail and package delivery industry, allowing for more efficient and personalized customer experiences.
3. Digital Security - The proactive security aspects of the connected home mailbox highlight the need for advancements in digital security solutions, offering potential opportunities for companies in the digital security industry to develop products tailored for connected home ecosystems.