Apple announced the CarKey function as early as the iOS14 period, but now that iOS6 is almost online, the popularity of CarKey is still not as widespread as CarPlay, as of now, CarKey is only equipped in some models of BMW, but recently there is news that Hyundai is also ready to introduce CarKey into its own models.
What is CarKey?
Before the popularization of smart phones, jianghu jun often had to silently recite the mantra "body, hand, key, and money" in his heart, which corresponded to the ID card, mobile phone, key, and wallet. But with the popularity of mobile payments and smart door locks, you now only need to take your phone and car keys with you when you go out. With CarKey, you can go out with only your phone.
Not only that, but the CarKey feature can also authorize others to unlock the vehicle through an iPhone or Apple watch. After pairing with a CARKey-enabled BMW model, the phone can be unlocked by touching the door handle, entering the car and placing the phone on the wireless charging pad, and the vehicle can start.
This NFC-based digital key was first introduced by BMW and first installed in the 2021 BMW 5 Series Premium Edition and above. It will be introduced in the mid-to-high-end models of the 3 Series, 6 Series GT, 8 Series, X5, X6 and X7.
BMW and Apple's ambiguous relationship has a long history, BMW is not only the first car company to integrate iPod in the car, but also the first car company to support wireless CarPlay, so it is not unusual for BMW, as an Apple true love fan, to be able to experience CarKey.
Models using the CarKey function should have wireless charging functions in addition to installing NFC plug-ins on the door handles. Therefore, some old car owners must have lost touch with this magical function
What other magical car keys
In addition to being the most important anti-theft function of the car, the car key is also regarded as a symbol of status and financial resources at some times. For example, when attending a class reunion, students who have "achieved something" in their careers will throw a bunch of car keys on the table for everyone to visit.
But with the catalysis of new technologies, a variety of magical car keys have emerged on the market. It can be hidden in your phone or in your wallet like a bank card...
Card key
Representative models: Toyota, Tesla, Hongqi, BYD
As far as The Jianghujun knows, the earliest model to use the "card key" should be the Toyota Crown in 2009, but this card is not a "card", the card key of the crown is actually a mechanical key in the shape of a card. Renault's card key is a remote key in the shape of a card.
The card key that has emerged in recent years has a completely different principle and use method from the traditional car key. Swipe your card in the car and plug it into your wallet along with your bank card. It's just that now people don't even have a wallet when they go out, who would want to carry a card in their pocket?
Fingerprint unlock
Representative models: Hyundai, Audi
Complex and changeable weather will have a great impact on the accuracy of fingerprint unlocking, which is why many car companies are reluctant to use fingerprint unlocking on door handles. Through unremitting efforts, Hyundai Has integrated fingerprint recognition sensors on the door handles and start buttons of some models.
Audi also added a fingerprint launch function to the former A8, fingerprint unlocking before starting, which is more interesting than the sense of technology and is a very special sense of ceremony.
Password unlock
Representative model: Lincoln
In addition to remote unlocking through mobile phones, the combination lock is arguably Lincoln's most inherited design, and even if you forget to bring both your phone and car keys, you can still open the door through the combination lock. It is difficult to imagine what Lincoln's designers have experienced, but it is certain that for those expensive car owners who forget things, Lincoln is undoubtedly the most intimate brand.