AUTO LOCKSMITHS
WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR CAR KEYS IN 2023 ?
Before we start , we ’ d like to wish a very happy and prosperous 2023 to all our readers ! It ’ s that time of year again when business blogs are full of predictions and trends to look out for over the coming 12 months – and we ’ re not going to disappoint if that ’ s what you ’ re looking for .
But a word of caution first … Although the car key industry has seen many advances over the past few years and has largely transitioned into digital access technology , it ’ s also a fairly traditional sector , with older versions of technologies coexisting with newer generations for many years before the older versions disappear altogether .
This is because Britain ’ s roads are still full of older cars , and the current high prices for both new and second-hand vehicles are going to do nothing to change that fact in 2023 .
Alongside newer smart key fobs and keyless access systems , therefore , there will be a continued mid-to-long-term demand for more conventional car access systems and services – including electronic key fob programming , physical key replacements , and so on .
Although we are excited about the rise of smart access control and security technologies and the impact these are likely to have on new car key development in 2023 , we are also aware that many car manufacturers continue to use traditional car key fobs , even with new vehicles , so any changes are likely to be incremental rather than revolutionary .
So , what are the main trends we are keeping an eye on for this coming year ?
1 . Smartphone Integration One of the main reasons why physical car keys may become obsolete in the long term is because of smartphone / watch / wearable device integration . More and more cars are being manufactured with the ability to connect to mobile apps to control a variety of electronic systems , including access , ambient temperature , in-car entertainment , and fuel use . Among other things , this means that drivers can use their phones to unlock their doors , start their engines , and even honk their horns before physically entering the vehicle .
With the convenience of this new technology for drivers will also come security challenges for app developers , and it will become increasingly important for users to be able to restrict access to car key apps to authorised users only , and deactivate access should the phone become lost , stolen , or broken .
2 . Fingerprint And Retinal Scans Another interesting development in electronic car key technology is the integration of fingerprint and retinal biometric information into car key apps and physical access systems . Some newer models of cars come with fingerprint scanners that are built into the driver ’ s door handle or the steering wheel itself , often working alongside a remote access physical key fob , and providing a double layer of security for premium vehicles .
3 . Keyless Vehicles Fully keyless vehicles are gradually moving away from the realm of science fiction and into plausible production , as smart key fobtechnology allows car owners to unlock and start their car without having to insert a traditional metal key , or even be in close proximity to their vehicle . Keyless vehicles recognise an encrypted security signal issued by the key fob ( or corresponding smartphone app ) and automatically unlock it . This is followed by pushing the ignition button and starting up the engine with a simple click instead of having to insert a physical key . Keyless vehicles provide convenience for drivers as well as optimal security , making them increasingly appealing in the automotive industry .
www . advanced-keys . co . uk
MAR / APR 2023
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