The Hyundai Group is even more committed to allowing its buyers to use their smartphones as a key than ever before. Now, it plans to make it easier for owners to share their vehicles no matter what brand of smartphone they prefer, thanks to Digital Key 2.
Although some Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis owners could previously use their smartphones to unlock their vehicles, the system’s functionality was limited. Now, not only will Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users be able to access their vehicles, so will Google Pixel users. And they’ll be able to share across platforms.
That means that a Galaxy user will be able to share their digital key with an iPhone user. In addition, certain phone users won’t even have to put their phone to the door in order to lock or unlock it. As with a normal key, the car will unlock for them as they approach it.
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The Hyundai Group says that its vehicles’ owners will now be able to manage Digital Key 2 through their manufacturer app. It says that it is also working to expand usability to other brands’ phones, as well.
“We were the first in the automotive industry to offer Apple and Samsung’s contactless Digital Key 2 feature when we launched it on the Genesis GV60,” said Hyung Ki Ahn, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Electronics Development Center. “Through active collaboration with our partners in the smartphone industry, we will continue to enhance customer experience and security around car connectivity.”
Digital Key 2 is already available for owners of the Hyundai Grandeur, Genesis GV60 and G90, and the Kia EV9. Going forward, it will be expanded to more vehicles, and the extra functionality can be added to older vehicles via an over-the-air update. Phones will also likely have to be updated to their latest software version in order to make use of Digital Key 2.
