3 innovations to replace car keys

2018-04-24 11:13:27
knowledge

Will Car Keys Become Obsolete?

I'm old, not obsolete
—The Terminator, Terminator Genisys The car key is getting old. At the rate at which technology is progressing, the traditional key might become a thing of the past in the near future. How so exactly? Well, pushing a button allows you to start your car's engine in many modern cars, and that's only the tip of the iceberg. Several automotive manufacturers, such as Volvo, have already incorporated biometrics in a few of their vehicle models, including fingerprint identification, facial recognition and even eye vein verification. What could substitute the conventional car key? Let's find out the top 5 technologies that could spell the end of conventional car keys.

Apps

Last year, BMW has announced its intention to replace car keys with a mobile app. The concept is simple. Almost everyone, certainly car owners, carries a smartphone. So why not use an imperishable app instead of a brittle key? With a touch of a button, you can start your engine, open your car doors and even switch radio channels. Although an app means more convenience, the drawbacks are numerous. What happens if you lose your phone? What if it's damaged? Can someone hack your phone and use the app? The risks associated with apps make them a controversial alternative to car keys.

Wearable Technology

It might seem futuristic, but using a bracelet in lieu of a car key is actually an existing technology. Jaguar created an "Activity Key" for its 2017 F-pace, which is an electronic key embedded in a wristband. Wristbands and watches feature a screen that displays information about the vehicle, such as door status, fuel range, and location. The convenience and ease of use surely stand out as major benefits in this potential car key alternative. Wearing wristbands might not appeal to everyone, though. It's also a newcomer to the automotive space, so it still has its limitations and imperfections.

Speech Recognition

Imagine being able to talk to your car. That would be fun, wouldn't it? Speech recognition technology has been evolving since the 1950s, going through decades of research and development. Combined with voice recognition, speech recognition stands as a viable substitute for conventional car keys. Unless, one day, cars become telepathic, this would be the simplest, easiest way to operate your car. Moreover, the technology already exists in the automotive realm. After connecting your iPhone to your car, Apple CarPlay allows you to access Siri. Apple's virtual assistant allows you to switch radio channels or ask for directions. How soon will you be able to tell your car to "open" or "start"? Time will tell, but it sure looks like it won't take too long.

Conclusion

It would be wicked to use an app or simply speak to access your car. While useful, these innovations bring along significant pitfalls. How secure will a mobile app be against hacking? Would the car recognise your voice if you were sick? We shall find out one day.