Color me shocked when I saw USPS’s latest app using augmented reality. Basically, you scan some snail mail (presumably junk) and the app shows you the rest of the ad in sleek, interactive features. 

Augmented reality is not new to USPS. In June of 2009, its Priority Mail website launched a Virtual Box Simulator wherein users can determine whether their items will fit into flat rate boxes. This 3D feature did not redeem the poorly performing organization.

The app might be a good effort to maintain technical legitimacy but the USPS must start delivering packages with consistency before its apps will actually be useful. I’m still waiting on a package that USPS managed to lose since mid-December. Users on USPS Facebook page constantly bemoans the lack of great customer service – there’s great opportunities for interactive mail, but you have to prove that you can actually deliver mail.

Of course, they can try to serve up more Marilyn Monroe in lieu of technical savvy or dependability.