Are the Days of Car Keys Numbered?
With the rapid rate the automotive industry is advancing, there is no wonder that avant-garde innovations are gradually replacing older creations, such as car keys.
A few vehicles already feature replacements to key fobs. Therefore, in a few decades, we may see car keys only in museums.
That sounds outlandish, right? However, it is a likely possibility.
If this happens, will automotive locksmith services become defunct as well? Or maybe they will adapt to the change.
From mobile apps to voice recognition, here are 5 innovative technologies that may replace traditional car keys in the near future.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps have evolved immensely in the last few years, so much so that you can accomplish almost any task using those tiny programs. So why not access your car and start your engine using one?
Actually, a few apps can already perform the functions of a traditional car key, and even more.
In 2016, Volvo announced its intention to eliminate key fobs entirely, replacing them with a downloadable app. In essence, a Volvo will recognize your mobile phone as the car key, while the app will allow you to open doors, start the engine, and even control the AC.
Obviously, the main benefit here is the convenience, however, using your mobile as a key will mean a higher risk of getting it hacked, let alone losing or damaging the phone. Therefore, a physical backup would be a necessity.
Wristbands
Using a wristband, or a watch, to operate your vehicle is not that far-fetched. Actually, Jaguar has already produced one called “The Activity Key” for its F-pace SUV. Similarly, Apple made a watch app that controls almost every function of the Tesla Model S.
Wristbands and watches feature a screen that displays information about the vehicle, such as door status, fuel range, and location.
Compared to conventional keys, losing the bracelet-like gadget would be significantly harder for two reasons. First, it is in sight almost all of the time around your wrist. Second, it incorporates some type of location tracker, making it easy to find almost anywhere.
Besides, they look cool!
Voice Recognition
This is a broad term used to describe speech or speaker recognition. In layman’s terms, voice recognition a program that identifies what is being spoken or who is speaking. The technology is already in place, which makes it realistically possible for it to take the place of traditional keys.
Speaker recognition could replace a physical key, as the car would recognize its owner through voice identification. To accomplish functions, such as unlocking car doors, speech recognition would allow the machine to “Understand” several commands, discarding the need to push a button on a key fob.
Automakers could soon fit cars with equipment that could make this alternative to car keys a reality. Instead of turning the key into the ignition switch, you’ll simply command your car to start the engine.
How cool would that be? At last, you’re able to talk to your car.
Fingerprint Identification
In essence, a technology replacing the key fob should be unique to a point where it is nearly impossible to duplicate. Based on this quality, fingerprint identification is one of the top contenders for the job. Even with over 7 billion people on earth, no two individuals have the same fingerprint, which gives every person a distinctive identity.
Several modern cars feature fingerprint locks, which serve as a security measure to provide better protection against auto theft. Possibly, this may evolve into resorting to using fingerprints solely to unlock doors, starting the engines, as well as accomplishing several other functions.
Additionally, eye print or facial recognition could either substitute or support using a finger’s impression to verify your identity.
Magnetic Stripe Card
Magnetic stripe cards store data on magnetic material on the card, examples of this type of card include ATM cards, identity cards, and gift cards. The information on these cards is enough to distinguish an individual, which gives the holder a unique ID that could be used to replace a car key.
However, if lost or stolen, the result would be that someone will have easy access to your vehicle, as well as your personal information. With that in mind, it would probably be better to combine this method with another way to identify, such as eye print for example.
Is Innovation Good or Bad?
Through introducing simpler, more convenient solutions, technology has been making life easier. However, innovation comes at a price; with almost every new invention having its flaws and drawbacks.
What do the professionals think? We are Chicago Car Keys, a reputable auto locksmith. Our professionals say that car keys will stick around for at least the next few decades.
However, only time will tell for sure.
Call (773) 521 7000 or visit our store on 4346 W 51st St for more information.
