Google owner Alphabet may be about to roll out delivery drones, but Amazon is being more grounded, rolling out Key for Garage to allow deliveries to be placed in their garage when they are out.
Key for Garage allows eligible Amazon Prime members to get deliveries in their garage using the Key Smart Garage Kit. Shoppers simply select “In-Garage delivery” at check out on Amazon.com to have packages delivered securely and conveniently in their garage. Additionally, customers can check the status of their garage door in the Key by Amazon app and remotely open or close it.
“We know it is important to keep innovating to make delivery as convenient as possible for customers, which is why we’re excited to now have Key for Garage available,” says Rohit Shrivastava, GM of Key by Amazon. “Today, we are thrilled to open Key by Amazon to millions of Prime members who can now have their Amazonpackages delivered securely to their garages. With this new option, members can truly unlock the convenience of the Amazon experience.”
Key for Garage is made possible by integrating Key by Amazon with Chamberlain Group’s proprietary myQ-connected technology. If shoppers already have a myQ-connected garage door opener, all they need to do is link their Amazon and myQ accounts in the Key by Amazon app and they’re ready to go.
Customers can purchase one of two Key Smart Garage Kits: the myQ Smart Garage Hub—which lets them add connectivity to their existing garage door opener—or a new myQ-connected Chamberlain or LiftMaster Wi-Fi garage door opener. Customers can also choose to add an Amazon Cloud Cam (Key Edition) to either kit so they can see their garage any time via the livestream or view clips of entries, including deliveries.
Additionally, any customer in the US can use Key for Garage to manage access to their garage via the Key by Amazon app.
“A recent survey found 72% of Americans who live in a house or townhouse take extra measures to ensure delivery acceptance of their packages, including staying home from work to wait for the package,” adds Jeff Meredith, CGI President and Chief Operating Officer. “With Key by Amazon, homeowners no longer have to reorganize their life to receive packages. Key plus myQ smart garage access gives homeowners control over the package delivery process while offering a safe and convenient destination for unattended package delivery.”
Meanwhile, Alphabet subsidiary Wing is close to getting FAA approval in the US to begin drone deliveries. Wing’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval allows it to offer an autonomous, flying version of delivery services like Postmates, with the company working with local restaurants and businesses to bring their products to customers.
Wing has been testing its drones in two areas in Virginia—Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech, which it’s been working with for years, and Christiansburg—and will continue to do so. The company aims to provide a wider test delivery service in those places later this year.
Wing’s drones have completed more than 70,000 test flights and 3,000 deliveries, mainly through tests it’s been carrying out in Australia.
Image: Amazon/Business Wire
