Australia puts stamp on video messages

In a world first, Australia’s mail service has injected technology into the simple postage stamp — creating a “video stamp” to deliver a personal message that recipients can view on their mobile phone.

The Video Stamp, to be distributed for free on some parcel services in the pre-Christmas period, allows users to send a 15-second personalised video along with their packages.

“Christmas is a time when people want to be with their loved ones, but more and more friends and family are scattered across the country and around the globe,” said Richard Umbers, executive general manager of parcel and express services.