The United States Postal Service (USPS) is actively developing a dedicated mobile application for its popular "Informed Delivery" service, aiming to provide a more streamlined and accessible experience for users directly on their smartphones. Currently undergoing beta testing on both Android and iOS platforms, the app promises to enhance the convenience and visibility of mail and package tracking for USPS customers.
Informed Delivery, as a service, has already proven its value by providing users with a daily email digest containing scanned images of incoming mail pieces. This allows recipients to preview letters and packages arriving at their address, offering a degree of anticipation and control over their postal deliveries. The daily email includes images of the exterior of letter-sized mailpieces and notifications about packages expected to arrive.
However, the existing email-based system isn’t without its drawbacks. Many users find that the daily Informed Delivery email can easily become buried in a crowded inbox, particularly with the increasing sophistication of email filtering systems. Services like Gmail often categorize these updates into secondary tabs, such as the "Updates" tab, potentially causing users to miss these notifications altogether. This can diminish the effectiveness of the service, especially for those who rely on timely information about their incoming mail.
Recognizing these limitations, the USPS has embarked on the development of a dedicated mobile app. This app is designed to address the shortcomings of the email-based system and provide a more user-friendly and readily accessible platform for Informed Delivery users. By bringing the service directly to a dedicated app, the USPS hopes to improve user engagement and ensure that important mail and package information is not overlooked.
The Android beta program, initially highlighted by Droid-Life, allows select users to test the app’s features and provide feedback to the development team. Users can sign up for the beta program and gain access to the app through the Google Play Store, though access may require joining a private Google Group. The app allows users to utilize an existing Informed Delivery account or create a new one directly within the application. Furthermore, the app incorporates functionality to scan tracking numbers and barcodes, enabling users to easily track the progress of their packages within the app itself. This feature provides a more integrated and seamless tracking experience compared to manually entering tracking numbers on the USPS website.
The Play Store listing describes the app as a convenient and efficient way to manage and monitor your mail and package deliveries. The app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a clean interface that makes it easy to navigate and access key information. The ability to scan tracking numbers directly from packages adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need to manually type in lengthy codes.
The development of the Informed Delivery app has been a project in the making for some time, with initial announcements dating back to the previous year. The USPS has clearly invested significant resources in creating a mobile app that meets the needs of its customers. The beta testing phase is crucial for identifying any bugs or usability issues before the app is officially released to the public. User feedback gathered during the beta program will be invaluable in refining the app and ensuring that it provides a positive and seamless experience for all users.
Simultaneously, the USPS is also conducting beta testing of the Informed Delivery app on iOS devices. iPhone users initially had the opportunity to sign up for access through Apple’s TestFlight platform. However, the iOS beta program has since reached its capacity and is no longer accepting new participants. This indicates a strong level of interest in the app among iPhone users and suggests that the USPS is committed to providing a cross-platform solution for both Android and iOS users.
The release of a dedicated Informed Delivery app represents a significant step forward in the USPS’s efforts to modernize its services and enhance the customer experience. By providing a dedicated mobile platform for accessing Informed Delivery information, the USPS aims to improve user engagement, increase the visibility of important mail and package notifications, and provide a more convenient and user-friendly way for customers to manage their postal deliveries. The app’s ability to scan tracking numbers and barcodes directly from packages further streamlines the tracking process and enhances the overall user experience.
The success of the Informed Delivery app will depend on its ability to address the limitations of the existing email-based system and provide a compelling alternative for users. A well-designed and intuitive app, combined with reliable and accurate delivery information, will be key to driving adoption and ensuring that the app becomes a valuable tool for USPS customers. The USPS will also need to ensure that the app is regularly updated with new features and improvements based on user feedback.
The release of the Informed Delivery app is a positive development for USPS customers, offering a more convenient and accessible way to manage their mail and package deliveries. The app has the potential to significantly improve the customer experience and strengthen the USPS’s position as a leader in postal services. As the app moves closer to its official release, it will be interesting to see how it is received by users and how it impacts the overall landscape of mail and package tracking.
