For business mailers who qualify, this promotion will provide an upfront 2 percent postage discount on Standard Mail® and First-Class Mail® letters, flats and cards (presort and automation only) that include a two-dimensional (2-D) barcode or print/mobile technology that can be read or scanned by a mobile device.

The technology must directly lead the person to a MOBILE OPTIMIZED website that allows the purchase of an advertised product or to a unique, mobile optimized and personalized web page.

As a reminder, mail service providers who wish to enroll their customers in this promotion will be able to register beginning June 10, 2012.

Full details, including a program requirements document, user guide for the incentive tool enrollment and frequently asked questions document, are available online at the RIBBS website at https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=mobilebarcode. Registration for the 2012 Mobile Commerce and Personalization Promotion will remain open through August 30th at http://gateway.usps.com.

WASHINGTON—Apple® Computer’s App Store? online store now offers a new free U.S. Postal Service application for iPhone® and iPod touch® mobile digital devices.

The new USPS Mobile™ application takes advantage of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capabilities, using the Locator function to show Post Offices™, Automated Postal Centers® and Collection Boxes in closest proximity to the user. Maps and directions – driving, walking or mass transit – to the closest location also are provided.

The Track and Confirm feature provides a visual monitor of the progress of the mail pieces and requires only initial input of tracking code numbers so that follow-ups are only one click away.

Another innovative feature, the Postal Service™ app has a ZIP Code™ lookup that provides the user with the ZIP Code of the user’s current location, using the phone’s GPS capability.

“The Postal Service is America’s largest retailer, with 36,000 Post Offices and retail outlets in communities across the country. Now the iPhone community has a Post Office as well,” says Robert Bernstock, president, Mailing and Shipping Services.

Today’s announcement of the application for iPhone and iPod touch devices expands the Postal Service’s move last fall to provide easy-to-use functionality to mobile phone users. Additional USPS applications for other internet-enabled mobile devices are in development.

“We want to continue our 234-year tradition of serving every American community, whether it’s in a Post Office, online or even over the phone,” Bernstock said.