BMW is ushering a new and more secure generation of its current Digital Key technology, slated to arrive later this year. The new generation of the smartphone-enabled digital key technology will increase usability and versatility. Currently, it is possible to lock and unlock you BMW vehicle, start the engine or turn it off and even share your key with trusted friends via the BMW Connected smartphone app.
Now, BMW Group, as leader of the Car Connectvity Consortium (CCC), aims to further expand the digital access technology and ensure full functionality between different car manufacturers and across multiple devices. Latest advancements in interconnectedness and secure digitalization are employed to achieve this scope.
Olaf Müller, head of Development Digital Access Systems at the BMW Group, reiterates on the stringent need to enhance the current digital key access: “Our customers want cross-vendor interoperability. Standardization is the only way to achieve this; proprietary solutions are no longer beneficial.”
The CCC has already been joined by several automotive constructor, so the further development of the future digital key technology will gain more traction and momentum, as it opens the gate to a very attractive, pan-industrial solution, which works suitably on a variety of digital devices such as smartphone, tablets, intelligent watches and other wearables.
For the second generation of its Digital Key (the release number 2.0), BMW will use the latest NFC-based technology together with a unique technical feature. The new virtual key will use a security chip which works separately from the smartphone operating system. This has the competitive advantage to enable vehicle access in circumstances in which currently it is not possible. For example, if your smartphone battery is highly discharged, then the new digital key will help you open the car thanks to the additional security chip.
The new generation of the BMW Digital Key will also employ the high-end, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) 3.0 technology which decisively increases anti-theft protection and ensures precise localization between the smartphone and the vehicle.
Moreso, you will no longer need to position your smartphone in the close vicinity of the door handle. Opening the car will work simply by approaching the vehicle and keeping your digital device in your pocket.
Ultra Wide Band for the win!
I still think it is totally useless because you never go driving without your metal keys to your house and/or business room. I drive a 2019 BMW X5. Never used it….
Have a 2019 X5 also can’t even use it with an apple device, totally useless.
Take it to your nearest dealer for the latest software upgrade…not over the air yet
Of course they don’t support OTA updates. BMW is behind the times boyyyyyy
They do support OTA idiot the new software is just not updated over the air currently …Why do you type like an idiot …are you a wannabe gangster ?
OHHHH and tesla doesnt support driving pleasure
When those f#ck-sticks at BMW produce a vehicle that goes 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, then get a hold of me. Otherwise shut your fat trap Juan Comeback.
how fast can a tesla reach 300 km/h ?
186.411MPH? Who cares, top speed is for morons like you. Current top speed on production vehicles is electronically limited to 162MPH. Almost identical to BMW you bozo.
What about Car Sharing ?
And to be honest a house key is much smaller than a car key, as I already start to go out without my wallet/cash/public transportation card (all replaced by my smartphon), replacing the car key is the natural next step. Having to carry the house key only would suit me fine.
There are also electronic locks for house doors you know ?
I heard about UWB and its benefits, but did not know it is already in the iPhone 11 ! (and probably others)
Nice !
About time, you can drive a TESLA with just your phone and a Bluetooth connection. Welcome to 2012 BMW.
Is all cars going to have shit interior quality in the future ? or is tesla just going to be the new hyundai of the future ?
Why don’t you tell me homeboy..
Ohhh then they will just be the Hyundai of the future and im not your homeboy …are you like 5 years old ?