Smart key technology for cars has been around for a few years now, and it's quickly becoming a popular feature in new cars. The idea of being able to unlock and start your car with just your smartphone sounds like a dream come true, but is it all that it's cracked up to be? In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the expectations of smart key technology for cars and compare them to the reality.

Expectation: Convenience

One of the main benefits of smart key for car technology is the convenience it offers. Instead of carrying a separate key fob, you can use your smartphone to unlock and start your car. This eliminates the need to fumble through your pockets or purse for a separate key, and also eliminates the risk of losing your key.

Reality: Convenience is dependent on phone battery and connectivity

While the idea of using your smartphone as a car key is convenient, there are some downsides to consider. One of the biggest issues is that if your phone battery dies, you won't be able to access your car. Additionally, if your phone is lost or stolen, someone else may be able to gain access to your car. Moreover, if you're traveling internationally, the phone roaming charges can be expensive, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Expectation: Security

Another benefit of smart key technology is the added security features it offers. With a traditional luxury key fob, it is possible for someone to copy the signal and gain access to your car. However, using a smartphone as a car key eliminates this risk as the phone is linked to a specific individual. Additionally, you can also set up additional security measures such as fingerprint or facial recognition to ensure that only authorized individuals can access the car.

Reality: Security is dependent on the phone's security

While using a smartphone as a car key does offer added security features, it's important to note that the security of your car is only as strong as the security of your phone. If your phone is not secured with a strong passcode or biometric authentication, anyone with access to your phone will be able to access your car. Additionally, some older phone models may not have the capability to support this advanced security feature, which might compromise the overall security of the car.

Expectation: Sharing access

Another advantage of using a smartphone as a car key is the ability to share access to the car with others. For example, if you lend your car to a friend or family member, you can simply send them a digital key that they can use to access the car. This eliminates the need for physical key handoffs and also allows you to revoke access at any time.

Reality: Sharing access is dependent on the app and phone compatibility

While the ability to share access to a car with others is a great feature, it's not always as simple as it seems. In order for someone to access your car, they will need to have the same app installed on their phone and be compatible with the car's system. This means that not everyone will be able to access your car, and it may also require additional steps to set up access.

Expectation: Tracking

Another potential benefit of using a smartphone as a car key is the ability to track the location of your car. With the use of GPS, you can easily find where your car is parked or if it's been moved without your knowledge. This can be especially useful if your car is stolen or if you misplace it in a crowded parking lot.

Reality: Tracking is dependent on the app's functionality

While the ability to track your car is a great feature, it's not always available. Some car manufacturers' apps may not have this feature, or it may require an additional subscription or package to access. Additionally, even if the app does have the tracking feature, it may not be as accurate or reliable as other GPS tracking devices.

In conclusion, smart key for car technology offers a range of benefits such as convenience, added security, and the ability to share access with others. However, it's important to be aware of the downsides and potential limitations of this technology. The convenience, security, and sharing access features are dependent on factors such as phone battery and connectivity, phone's security, app and phone compatibility. The tracking feature is also dependent on the app's functionality and may not always be available or accurate. It's important to do your research and consider your needs before deciding to invest in a car with this technology.