with android 12, google will turn your smartphone into a car key
Google and Automakers Collaborate on Digital Car Keys
Google is partnering with BMW and other automotive manufacturers to introduce a digital key system. This innovative technology will empower vehicle owners to lock, unlock, and initiate their cars directly from their Android smartphones, as revealed during the 2021 Google I/O developer event.
Android 12 and Digital Key Availability
The digital key represents one of the numerous enhancements arriving with Android 12, the latest iteration of Google’s mobile operating system. According to Sameer Samat, VP of PM for Android & Google Play, select Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones will receive this functionality later this year.
The digital car key will be compatible with certain 2022 vehicle models, including those produced by BMW, as well as some 2021 models.
Leveraging Ultra Wideband (UWB) Technology
This digital key system utilizes Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, a radio transmission method that allows sensors to determine signal direction, functioning similarly to a miniature radar system.
The phone’s antenna can pinpoint and recognize objects equipped with UWB transmitters. Utilizing UWB, Android users will gain the ability to lock and unlock their vehicles without even removing their phones.
Image Credits: GoogleNFC Integration and Key Sharing
For vehicles equipped with NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology, owners can unlock their cars by simply tapping their phone against the door.
The phone communicates with an NFC reader, typically situated within the door handle. Google also highlighted the ability to securely and remotely share the digital car key with trusted friends and family.
Following Apple's Lead
This announcement mirrors a similar initiative undertaken by Apple last year, which enabled users to add a digital car key to their iPhone or Apple Watch.
Apple’s feature, integrated into iOS 14, initially became available with the 2021 BMW 5 Series and operates via NFC.
Streamlining the User Experience
Many automakers have already developed their own applications for controlling vehicle functions like remote locking and unlocking.
Google, and likely Apple, aim to provide a more convenient experience by integrating the digital car key directly into their mobile operating systems, eliminating the need for separate app downloads.
Industry Standardization Efforts
The Car Connectivity Consortium, comprising Apple, Google, Samsung, and automakers such as BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, has been working to establish a standardized digital key solution.
This collaborative effort seeks to ensure seamless interoperability and simplify the development process.
The Smartphone as a Central Hub
The development of the digital car key is part of Google’s broader strategy to position the smartphone as the central control point for consumers’ digital lives.
Integrating vehicles into this ecosystem is a crucial step in achieving this goal.
Expanding the Connected Device Ecosystem
“Today’s phone purchase isn’t just about the phone itself, but about an entire ecosystem of devices expected to work together—like TVs, laptops, cars, and wearables,” stated Erik Kay, Google’s VP of engineering, in a blog post.
He noted that the average person now owns approximately eight connected devices, with projections indicating this number will rise to thirteen by 2022.
Enhancing Device Pairing with Fast Pair
Google is also expanding its “Fast Pair” feature, which allows users to connect devices via Bluetooth with a single tap, to include vehicles.
Consumers have already utilized “Fast Pair” over 36 million times to connect their Android phones with Bluetooth accessories from brands like Sony, Microsoft, JBL, Philips, and Google.
The feature will be extended to additional devices, including Beats headphones and cars from BMW and Ford, as announced during Google I/O.