Depositing a check via the iPhone's camera

It is not widely known amongst consumers, but a law called "Check 21" went into effect October 28, 2004. This law essentially eliminates the use of paper checks between banking institutions - all checks are now scanned and turned into images which allow faster processing and exchange of checking info. It also means that consumers can now scan their own checks and upload them for processing, assuming your bank supports the feature.

Hat tip to @RobFay for discovering an article about a bank taking Check 21 to its next logical step. They are allowing customers to upload checks by taking a picture with their iPhone camera! This was impractical with the camera on the original iPhone, but the iPhone 3GS's 3.2 megapixel camera is more than up for the task! And supposedly a Blackberry app is on the way, as well.

Keep an eye out. Mobile technology like this will be transforming the way you bank before you know it!