
KeyMe
KeyMe have partnered with Shapeways
Have you ever been locked out of you house? It is one of the most frustrating things that can happen, being stood outside in the blistering cold while your idiot dog stares at you blankly through the window and you think “why didn’t I train you to open the door as opposed to playing dead, god damn you!”
KeyMe is an app that hopes to change all of that, change the need to either wait for someone else to get home or even worse shell out extortionate locksmith emergency call out fees. The app stores your keys in the cloud and allows you to either visit a secure KeyMe kiosk, which makes a key in 30 seconds or have you key delivered to your locked door within an hour for up to 80% less than a locksmith.
The innovative startup has now partnered with 3D printing service Shapeways to offer an entirely new service. KeyMe now offers mail order 3D printed house or apartment keys via the KeyMe iOS app. Users can also store a digital copy of their key that they can then use to print out duplicates from any 3D printer without the need for the original.
As part of the new service users can now order 3D printed keys in plastic, brass or gold via the KeyMe iOS app, with prices ranging from $10 for the most basic plastic key right up to $4000 for a solid gold one. They can also select from a wide range of fun designs for the handle of their keys, including initials, symbols, a design of their own creation, and a host of popular shapes. Users can also submit a photo of themselves, a friend or family member and have a 3D model of that person's head printed on the end of their key.
"At KeyMe we are passionate about utilising new and emerging technologies to offer consumers a better, more convenient and cost-effective solution for key management, storage and duplication," said Greg Marsh, CEO and Founder of KeyMe. "3D printing is becoming a more popular method of producing high quality, consumer facing products -- and we are excited to be working with Shapeways, the leader in this field."
"We are thrilled to work with KeyMe on their latest innovation in the key duplication space," said Carine Carmy, Director of Marketing at Shapeways. "Our goal at Shapeways is to make 3D printing accessible to all through offerings that range from the extraordinary to the utilitarian. This partnership helps us further deliver on this goal, while assisting KeyMe in providing another novel solution to their users."
So you can stop that impromptu "dog. open door." training you're attempting through double glazed windows, all you need is an app and a 3D printer, all more safe than putting the spare key under that plant-pot - I'm looking at you Grandma!