But what is an Android Digital Car Key, and how does it work?
What Is Android Digital Car Key?
It is Google’s answer toApple’s Car Key(launched in 2020).
You don’t have to undergo any tricky maneuvers to open or start your car.
The car has to support and implement the technical standards needed to make it possible.
Both UWB andNFC are short-range communication protocols akin to Bluetoothand Wi-Fi, although they work differently.
Image Credit: Syda_Productions/Depositphotos
NFC and UWB devices can send and receive data across a short distance at considerable speeds.
Your car receives the communicated data, reviews it, and grants the car-owner access to the car.
All these happen within seconds.
It works similarly to NFC-based mobile payment systems like Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
A little contact and information are shared and authenticated.
NFC has a shorter effective range.
Image Credit: Syda_Productions/Depositphotos
UWB, on the other hand, has a longer range.
Since we are talking about a digital car key, 10 meters is more than enough.
No need to put your phone against the car door’s handle.
Image Credit:Volvo
Which Auto Manufacturers Support Android Digital Car Key?
More than a year later, it’s still only BMW that’s heavily invested in the technology.
Although brands like KIA and Genesis have shown interest in adopting the technology, things are moving rather slowly.
The story isn’t any different for Google’s Android Digital Car Key.
Even at that, the feature only works with Pixel 6 series devices or higher.
Samsung also has a few devices that are compatible as well.
Now, UWB technology is “supposed” to be a core part of the Android Digital Car Key.
Only a limited subset of Android devices support UWB technology.
On the bright side, NFC technology is much more common among modern Android devices.
Is Android Digital Car Key Safe?
Using your smartphone to open your car sounds like a potential security risk.
In theory, it is.
Take NFC, for instance.
It’s theoretically possible to snoop on NFC data.NFC, as a communication protocol, isn’t very secure.
No password protection, no secure credential validation, nothing.
However, its short effective range works to its advantage.
And Yes, it’s a Google product, if that makes any difference to you.
