[alpha265]

https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/23/ios-14-bmw-carkey/

[LittleJoe]

Thanks for the post. BMW has been a leader implemented CarPlay and may well be the leader in CarKey support.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

Thanks for the post. BMW has been a leader implemented CarPlay and may well be the leader in CarKey support.

Uh, I am an Apple guy (and plan to stay one) but didn't Android implement this feature first with car manufacturers, including BMW? I seem to remember a BMW Genius video floating around demonstrating this capability with a Samsung phone...

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by jmciver

Uh, I am an Apple guy (and plan to stay one) but didn't Android implement this feature first with car manufacturers, including BMW? I seem to remember a BMW Genius video floating around demonstrating this capability with a Samsung phone...

I've never owned an Android phone so you're probably correct. And recall reading BMW plans to support Android Auto this summer. But on the whole, BMW appears to have a close business relationship with Apple.

[Wild Blue]

This is cool. I would need to learn more to ensure security, that someone couldn't spoof my phone and steal my car, or if they got access to my phone in any way, just take my car.

[jmciver]

I don't know, I am always into to tech like this, but not sure I can get into this feature given the current convenience of a traditional BMW key fob. Right now, my BMW key fob is small and stays inside my pocket - I don't need to remove it to open my car (i.e. comfort access). But for the phone key, in the videos where it was demonstrated, you still needed to take you phone out of your pocket (or purse if that is your persuasion), before you can gain access to the car. That extra step, taking the phone out of my pocket, does not seem more convenient to me.

Oh well, 1st world problems......

Below are the videos I was refering to above..

[kdesign7]

I agree. I don't think I would use it unless I didn't have to take my phone out of my pocket/purse. I love how the comfort access works now. I have never had a problem with it.

It would be good for uses like my husband who doesn't want to carry a fob for my car but still have access to it. He has the digital key card now. But would be nice even not to carry it.

However.

I really hope this comes true.


BMW describes how UWB will be useful for Digital Key:

In the near future, Digital Key specification will be enhanced by the ultra-wideband (UWB)-based release 3.0. This will offer maximum anti-theft protection and enable precise localisation between the device and the vehicle. As a result, the mobile phone must no longer be held directly up to the door handle to unlock the car, but can conveniently be left in the pocket.

[LittleJoe]

Apparently what Apple is working on is an improvement on the Android digital key solution because the link to the above article states:

"The Digital Key Release 3.0 specification will enhance Digital Key Release 2.0 by adding passive, location-aware keyless access. Rather than having to pull their mobile devices out to access a car, consumers will be able to leave their mobile device in their bag or pocket when accessing and/or starting their vehicle. Passive access is not only vastly more convenient and a better overall user experience, it also allows vehicles to offer new location-aware features."


Future Android phones will likely support the Digital Key Release 3.0 specification as well but the difference is ability to leave your phone in your pocket. That makes Digital Key a user-friendly solution and on par with how CarPlay works now.

[Resjudicata]

For men this is an extra step of taking it out of pocket. Most women don't have this problem. Their pursues now have an externally adaptive slot for their phones. And my wife always has a Diet Coke and her 2 iPhones in her other hand CONSTANTLY all the time, especially in the SUV.

[Pluto01]

https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...ess_Activation

wait for it...want to use the Digital Key, plan on paying for it at $20/year. In my recent purchase experience, I've been shocked to learn that many many 'features' are subscription based. As least it seems like CarPlay has been reduced after some amount of churn I assume.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Pluto01

https://connecteddrive.bmwusa.com/ap...ess_Activation

wait for it...want to use the Digital Key, plan on paying for it at $20/year. In my recent purchase experience, I've been shocked to learn that many many 'features' are subscription based. As least it seems like CarPlay has been reduced after some amount of churn I assume.

I am sure that will last as long as BMW's attempt to make CarPlay a paid subscription service - BMW caved to public pressure after a few months. Time will tell I guess...