If there's one topic that's been a hot topic on the blog for years, it's how to detect mail in the mailbox! It can be frustrating to go to your mailbox only to find it empty, especially when it's far from home. Some people have therefore set up a sensor or Arduino system to monitor their mailbox. But today, I'm offering you an extremely simple solution, thanks to Novlee! This mail and parcel detector, designed and manufactured in France, can be installed in your mailbox in just 5 minutes, without any DIY or nearby Wi-Fi required! Let's take a closer look…Unboxing the Novlee Mail and Parcel Detector The Novlee Mail and Parcel Detector clearly states its colors on its packaging. An important little note: “Made in France,” as this product was entirely designed and manufactured in France by a young company launched during the Covid period. Another interesting feature, indicated on the side: no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth required. This little box uses the SigFox network to communicate. There's no need for Wi-Fi within range, which is often a problem for sensors outside the home. However, it's recommended to check your SigFox coverage on the official website. This low-power network currently has excellent coverage in France and is used by many connected devices and even alarm systems, but it's always best to check just in case.There's no complicated manual here: just scan the QR code on the packaging to get the installation instructions. Inside, we find the Novlee mail and parcel detector, accompanied by 3 AAA batteries, two pieces of self-adhesive Velcro, and a small Stop Pub sticker, also highlighting the monitoring of the mailbox. It can also be a deterrent against package thieves… The case is rather compact, measuring only 88x80x26mm. On its front, two sensors will allow the detection of mail and packages:
The case is as refined as possible, with simply a small button on the side to reset it if necessary.
At the back is the battery compartment, as well as the QRcode to identify the case:
The Novlee Mail and Parcel Detector uses 3 AAA batteries, which should give it about 2 years of battery life. No battery to recharge, but the use of common batteries that are easy to replace. The whole thing is well made, clean, and seems rather solid, even if this box is not likely to move much once it is securely placed in the mailbox. So let’s move on to its installation!
Installation of the Novlee mail and parcel detector
Connected object requires, the installation goes through an application of the same name, available of course on both iOS and Android. We install it and create your account:
All you have to do is follow the guide, in 5 very simple steps, which start with scanning the QRcode on the back of the case, using the smartphone camera, for pairing the case. Then insert the batteries:
All that remains is to position the Novlee mail and parcel detector at the bottom of the mailbox. To do this, we attach the double scratch to the back of the case:
And we fix the box at the bottom of the mailbox, at the bottom (very important!) by centering it:
Here again everything is explained in the application:
You can then close the mailbox. Just wait a few minutes for the sensor to calibrate, connect to the SigFox network, and confirm its proper operation. Depending on the mailbox, the sensor can detect mail or both mail AND parcels. Novlee is compatible with all mailboxes, but a standard mailbox will ensure you can distinguish between the two types of reception.
Of course, you should enable notifications, because that's the whole point of the sensor:
You can add multiple mailbox sensors to the app if you have multiple residences, even specifying a different name and address if you wish. Convenient!
Installation takes less than 5 minutes and is really super simple! No Wi-Fi code to enter, no tinkering—the manufacturer has done everything to make setup as easy as possible. And it's pretty successful! If needed, the manufacturer also provides an installation video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0nHHFLUGQM
Novlee: Ultra-Easy to Use!
If installing the Novlee mail and parcel sensor is extremely easy, using it is even easier! In fact, there's absolutely nothing to do: when you receive a letter or a package, the sensor will automatically send you a notification on your smartphone, even indicating whether it's a letter or a package. And when you retrieve the letter or package, the mailbox status automatically changes to “empty box.”
In short, there's no need to intervene with the sensor or the app; the whole thing runs on its own thanks to the two sensors integrated into the Novlee, and its proprietary algorithm, allowing it to distinguish between mail and packages. It's hard to get simpler!
The app also keeps a history that can be consulted if necessary.
And of course it works wherever you are, like here where I was even traveling abroad. I was immediately notified of receipt of a package.
Everything is exemplary simplicity, I love it! Simple and effective.
Small aside, however: I tested the Novlee in a classic mailbox, and the
Boks
Conclusion
No one wants to go to their mailbox for nothing, especially in the rain or snow, and even more so when it is far from home. Here, in Sologne, we no longer count the properties which have, for example, their mailbox on the road, but the house at the end of an alley 500m away… In certain towns, homes do not have a mailbox in front of the house, but all the mailboxes are grouped at the end of the street. Suffice it to say that in these cases, no tinkering will allow you to be notified of the receipt of mail or packages, since there is no WiFi. Same observation when you live in an apartment.
In the case of a second home, although you generally receive less mail, it is often important, and it is therefore useful to be warned.
These are examples where Novlee provides significant convenience by avoiding unnecessary trips to the mailbox. Of course, even in a “normal” configuration, Novlee is very practical, immediately informing us when the long-awaited package has been received. And in use, it's truly appreciated!
Personally, I have a soft spot for this little box. Simple, but incredibly effective! As they say, it's complicated to make a simple product. In this case, the manufacturer has perfectly achieved its goal, offering a product that's as easy to install as it is to use by anyone, without the need to be a techie or Wi-Fi technician to ensure a good network connection. Installation is as simple as sticking a box to the bottom of your mailbox and installing the mobile app. In short, it's within everyone's reach. And yet, the embedded technology for distinguishing between mail and parcels goes much further than a simple motion detector (but shh, it's an in-house development that required many hours of work!).
The Novlee is
sold for €69.95 , with free delivery in mainland France, directly from the manufacturer's website. It comes with a 1-year subscription included. You'll then need to pay a subscription to the SigFox network at a rate of €12 per year (no commitment). This may put some people off, but the subscription is still very affordable and allows you to use a network dedicated to connected objects, without struggling with Wi-Fi range or a more expensive GSM subscription.Furthermore, remember that this is a product made in France. We therefore have a very reasonable price for a well-designed, efficient, and truly plug-and-play product.
This is the company's first product, but it's already working on other promising solutions. In any case, this is something I'll be keeping a close eye on ;-)
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