AUTO LOCKSMITHS
Are Smartphones and Apps the Future Car Keys ?
» WITH RAPID ADVANCES IN technology pervading every aspect of life , it ’ s little surprise that smartphones and apps are now being integrated into the automotive industry . With the advent of features such as Apple ’ s CarKey , smartphones are being transformed into virtual car keys .
However , it ’ s fair to say that many cars do not yet have the capability to utilise smartphone and car key app technology , so the traditional remote fob still has a vital role to play . At Advanced Keys , our range of wholesale car keys , fobs , and reprogramming equipment is ideal for auto locksmiths and garage services looking to add an extra dimension to their portfolios .
In this article , we ’ ll explore the growing trend of using smartphones and apps as car keys and the potential impact on the future of automotive technology .
The Rise Of Smartphone Car Keys Apple ’ s CarKey feature , which made waves in June 2020 when it was launched as part of the iOS 14 update , allows users to use their iPhone or Apple Watch as a virtual car key . With CarKey , compatible vehicles can be locked , unlocked , and started using a compatible device in a similar way to a physical key . The feature uses Near Field Communication ( NFC ) technology to enable users to activate the virtual key , which can then be used to unlock the vehicle by holding the device close to the door or to start the ignition by positioning it next to the car ’ s key reader .
Notably , manufacturers such as BMW , Ford , and Hyundai have already expressed their support for CarKey , highlighting the industry ’ s interest in this innovative concept .
Convenience And Integration The adoption of smartphones as car keys offers numerous benefits :
• Convenience : Drivers no longer have to carry a physical key and , as most people take a smartphone everywhere they go , the technology blends seamlessly into their everyday life , eliminating the need to carry a physical key .
• Integration With Other Technology : Smartphone car keys enable seamless integration with other vehicle-related features and apps , from remote control functions to personalised settings and preferences .
• Enhanced User Experience : By acting as digital keys for cars , smartphones can become a centralised hub for different car-related functionalities , improving the overall user experience .
More Robust Security And Flexibility
Smartphone car keys offer enhanced security features compared to traditional keys . For example , biometric authentication methods , such as fingerprint or facial recognition , can be utilised to block unauthorised access to the vehicle , while smartphone car keys can be digitally shared with others to provide greater flexibility and control of user permissions . Temporary or limited access can be granted to family members or service providers without the need for physical key duplication , thereby reducing the need to constantly track the location of physical keys .
Contact Us To Find Out More
While it ’ s likely that smartphones and apps will be the car keys of the future , the physical remote fob still has an important role to play in the automotive industry .
For more information about our extensive range of products for garages and auto locksmiths , please explore our website and get in touch if you require friendly , expert help .
www . advanced-keys . co . uk
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SEPTEMBER 2023
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