Your Android smartphone will soon be able to unlock and start your car via a digital key. The announcement was made at Google’s I/O event, and will see the latest version of the operating system, Android 12, have the ability to replace the standard key in compatible vehicles.
To begin with, some 2021 models from BMW will include the tech with other auto manufacturers set to follow suit. This technology may be set to revolutionize vehicle accessibility, pushing the smartphone one step closer to being the only piece of equipment needed.
The digital key works in two ways. For times when you don’t want to undergo the hardship of taking your phone out of your pocket, owners can instead lock and unlock their cars without so much at looking at a screen. This method utilizes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. According to TechCrunch, with this tech, the car transmits a radio signal that your mobile device can pick up on, recognizing what direction it is in.
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Many automakers already have dedicated apps, whereas Android 12 won’t require any app to be downloaded for the new digital key.
The second method will utilize Near Field Communication (NFC), similar to what is used with digital payment. With NFC, users can unlock their vehicles with nothing more than a tap of their phone on the door handle.
Another novel factor is that owners will be able to share access with friends or family members via their own personal phones.
The announcement from Google follows Apple’s footsteps, which has already given their users access to a similar digital key via the iPhones and Apple Watch.
While other carmakers already offer specific apps that can unlock and start a user’s car, the fact that both Apple and Google are including such tech baked into the software will likely see wider adoption, with the added benefit of not having to rely on a separate app.
Google has revealed that this technology will be made available on select Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models later this year. Google, Apple, and Samsung are part of the Car Connectivity Consortium, which also includes BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen. The idea behind this initiative is to come to a standardized framework for seamless adoption.
