BMW’s door will be opened for Samsung phones

Samsung Electronics Australia introduced its Digital Key, which puts an end to the main search efforts of car users. Thanks to the Digital Key, the problem of standing in front of the car and looking for the key in the pocket is over.

Taking it one step further where technology meets cars: a new feature available in Australia on Samsung Wallet is designed to work with your Galaxy smartphone. The feature, called Digital Key, can turn your compatible Galaxy devices into smart keys and its use will start with BMW.

Digital Key not only focuses on comfort, but also prioritizes security. The Digital Key works as securely as your physical key. This new feature is available in the Secure Zone (eSE) of your Samsung device and can only be enabled in Samsung Wallet for Samsung users. But this feature is not limited. You can share your Digital Keys with multiple storages. Are you planning to go on a solo trip with your friends? All you have to do is tap a few times on your screen and they too will have a key.

Following the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra BMW M Edition, Samsung The goal is to turn your Galaxy device into a keychain for the future. But those who do not own a BMW should not worry. According to Garry McGregor, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics, Samsung plans to expand its Digital Key options by working with other automakers. In the near future, it’s time to throw your car keys in the “things we no longer need” drawer.

The Digital Key is ready and can now be used in Samsung Wallet. The only requirements are the Android S(13) operating system or later and a compatible Galaxy device: a Samsung device or a Galaxy Z-Flip or Z-Fold after the S20 series.

Compatible Samsung devices

• Galaxy S20 series: all models except S20FE
• Note 20 Series: Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
• Galaxy S21 series: S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE
• Galaxy S22 series: S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 series: S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
• Galaxy Z-Flip: Z-Flip 5G, Z-Flip3, Z-Flip4
• Galaxy Z-Fold: Z-Fold2, Z-Fold3, Z-Fold4

With the advancement of technology, the use of Samsung Digital Keys is becoming more and more common. However, you will also need a compatible BMW vehicle to use this feature. This car must run with BMW Operating System 8 and optionally with Comfort Access (SA 322).

• BMW 2 Series Coupé (G42)
• BMW 3 Series (G20 facelift)
• BMW 7 Series (G70)
• BMW iX1
• BMW i4
• BMW iX
• BMW X1 (U11)
• BMW X5 (LCI)
• BMW X6 (LCI)
• BMW X7 (LCI)

Although digital keys may seem like a popular concept recently, they have been in the making for a long time.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2002, only 5,000 vehicles had the active start feature. But by 2013 that number had risen to 4.4 million, according to Ward’s Auto.

Tech giants Apple and Google have taken a step forward in using digital car keys. Apple released a service called CarKey in 2020. This feature allowed iPhone users to lock, unlock and start their NFC-compatible cars without a physical key or key fob. On the other hand, Google announced that it has started developing digital car keys for Android 12 in 2021. With this feature, you can lock, unlock and start your car directly from your phone.

The magic elements behind this technology are Ultra Wideband (UWB) and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. While UWB allows you to access your car without taking your phone out of your pocket, NFC is a technology that makes it as easy as touching your phone to the door to lock your car. Now it is possible to control your car without worrying about losing your keys. With this technology, you only need to use your phone to unlock, lock and start your car.

Although UWB technology is limited to only a few Android devices, Apple has started using it in its iPhones starting with the 11th model. So, if you are a user of the Apple ecosystem, you are future-proofed for a long time. This technology, which was previously only available on BMW vehicles, has now spread to Hyundai, Genesis and Kia vehicles.

Not to mention the proximity switch, the forerunner of digital car keys. This technology was introduced in 1998 with the Mercedes S-Class under the brand name “Keyless Go” and later spread to affordable cars.

Proximity detection switches work with radio waves. Car door handles have radio antennas that can transmit information at high and low frequencies. When the driver touches the door handle or presses the button, the system sends a UHF signal to control the authorized transmitter, that is, the signal of the key known as the key fob, and the key fob responds with its own signal. At the same time, low-frequency signals help to accurately determine the position of the key fob.