Just saw that they have introduced digital fingerprinting in Heathrow. The trial is to last till end of Jan 07. The 2 outgoing flights that will have these trials will be to Hong Kong and Dubai. Although this is nothing new to Hong Kong citizens, who have since 2004, been using the e-channels to automate passengers passing through immigration. This is done after inserting their smart Hong Kong ID card. My parents have helped me successfully to apply for one. So I'll be able to pick it up, next time I am in Hong Kong.