Super smart stamps
Royal Mail has launched what it claims is the world's first ‘intelligent' stamp, which lets smartphone users access online content.
In the latest 'special stamps' issue launched today called Great British Railways, Royal Mail has utilised image recognition technology, so users can unlock exclusive online content using their iPhone or Android smartphones.
To access the content, users need to upload a free app called JUNAIO, go to the Royal Mail channel then select the Great British Railways logo. The app links to a phone's camera that users can hover over the stamp, which will be recognised and unlock the hidden content.
"This is the first time a national postal service has used this kind of technology on their stamps and we're very excited to be bringing intelligent stamps to the nation's post," said Philip Parker, spokesman for Royal Mail Stamps.
Royal Mail's special stamps mark major events and anniversaries and the company hopes the use of image technology will drag snail mail into the 21st century.
"Through Intelligent Stamp technology, our stamps will open up to a whole new world of information, interest and fun to collectors and the millions of people who will receive them on letters in the coming months alike," said Parker.
Smartphone users viewing the stamp will also be redirected to a short film of Bernard Cribbins reading WH Auden's poem, The Night Mail.
Cribbins said: "WH Auden wrote the Night Mail poem in 1936 for the Post Office's own blockbuster film of the same name, which has, for years, remained in the hearts and minds of many. I'm excited to be bringing it to a brand new audience, and to help take Royal Mail Stamps into a new era by using state of the art interactive technology."
Royal Mail said the technology will be available on selected future special stamp issues too.
