Samsung makes its Galaxy smartphone devices not only function as ordinary phones, but has now added advanced features that can become digital car keys.
This capability is thanks to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology which allows Samsung Galaxy users to unlock, lock, and start their car using a smartphone.
UWB is a short-range wireless communication protocol that uses radio waves to function, similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Unlike the two, UWB transmits radio waves at a much higher frequency, enabling highly accurate spatial awareness and directional capabilities that allow smartphones to better understand their surroundings.
More importantly, UWB allows passive entry which means users can lock and unlock the car, start the engine, open the trunk, and even activate personal settings via a smartphone.
Digital keys can be shared if the user lends the car to someone else and the car owner can even set a time limit for how long the key will work.
For starters, this Samsung digital key will be available in NFC and UWB form on the Genesis V60 luxury electric vehicle in South Korea by the end of 2021.
In addition, Samsung also states that the UWB digital lock is compatible with the Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, Note 20 Ultra and Z Fold 2 and 3.
