‘Intelligent Stamp’ launched by Royal Mail

Royal Mail has launched the world’s first ‘Intelligent Stamp’ which incorporates image recognition technology. The stamp will launch exclusive online content created by Royal Mail, when activated by a smartphone on the iPhone or Android platforms.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail Stamps spokesperson said: “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.

“Intelligent stamps mark the next step in the evolution of our stamps, bringing them firmly into the 21st century. Royal Mail’s special stamps mark key events and anniversaries in the UK’s heritage, through a programme which aims to be both educational and informative. 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.”

The first Intelligent Stamp will be issued as part of the Great British Railways special stamps issue. For the launch, Royal Mail has created a short film of Bernard Cribbins reading W H Auden’s poem, The Night Mail – first made famous in The Post Office’s own film from 1936.

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.”

Intelligent stamp technology is free to use and will be available on selected future special stamp issues.