Soon, smart phones to double as car keys

An automobile manufacturer has unveiled a smart phone system to replace car keys.

Demonstrated on a concept version of Hyundai’s popular i30 in Germany, the smart phone integration technology will be offered to car buyers in two years.

Rather than using Bluetooth, the system uses wireless Near Field Communication, allowing people to lock and unlock their cars by waving their phones over a small tag on the car window, CarsGuide.com.au reported.

Inside the car, the phone is placed on a pad in the centre console that wirelessly charges it, while the content is synced and streamed to the vehicle’s infotainment system and touchscreen.

The system can also store in-car preferences, like radio stations, seating positions and even mirror adjustment — with multiple profiles able to be saved for different drivers.

Hyundai said that the new development was part of their aim of producing technology for the mainstream consumer.

—ANI