Hyundai develops smartphone-based digital key

Hyundai has revealed some new details on the development of their digital key which will allow users to unlock and start their Kia/Hyundai vehicle via their smartphone. Replacing a traditional physical key, the digital key can be downloaded via an app and used by up to four authorised people.

The brand says that NFC technology will be able to detect the presence of a digital key-enabled smartphone in close proximity to the vehicle door. The NFC antenna for entry identification is located in the handles of the driver and front passenger’s doors, whilst one for starting the engine is located within the wireless charging pad.

After unlocking the vehicle, the user can start the engine by placing the smartphone on the wireless charging pad in the centre console and pressing the engine start/stop button on the dashboard. What’s more, the user’s preferred vehicle settings are stored in the vehicle. When the key is recognised those settings are adjusted automatically – including the position of mirrors, seats and the steering wheel, as well as controls for the audio, video and navigation (AVN) systems and head-up display.

Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the alarm and start the engine. In addition, once the vehicles with autonomous parking features are commercialised, such features are also expected to be remotely controlled. Hyundai aims to gradually implement the technology in its new vehicles, starting later this year.