We're working on direct bank transfers now, but it will take some time: there's both software and regulatory challenges to deal with.
We have a lot of side projects going on, but when they are our internal projects we usually stay quiet about them till they are nearly done, and if they are done for an external customer we generally leave public disclosure up to them, of course.
You do know what that would mean, right? Wow. I mean the whole Steem blockchain would have a smile from one ear to another. Ned would probably hug each and every one of you. That will be a huuuge day for Steem when it happens.
The easiest to access cryptocurrency for the general public with an easy way of fund transferring on and off the blockchain..
The implications of that are amazing... Anyways keep up the good work.
I'm very excited now. Can't wait for the future.