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Car Consortium That Includes Apple Announces Digital Car Key Specification for Smartphones
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organization that includes Apple, today announced the publication of a new Digital Key Release 1.0 specification, which is a standardized solution designed to let drivers download a digital vehicle key onto their smartphones.
Described as an organization focused on enabling seamless mobile device-to-vehicle connectivity, the CCC's new Digital Key Release specification is available to all member companies.
In addition to Apple, this includes charter member companies Audi, BMW, General Motors, HYUNDAI, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung, and Volkswagen, plus core members like ALPS ELECTRIC, Continental Automotive GmbH, DENSO, Gemalto, NXP, and Qualcomm Incorporated.
The new Digital Key specification, which uses NFC, was developed to create a "robust ecosystem" around interoperable digital key use cases. It will let drivers lock, unlock, start the engine, and share access to their cars using smart devices like the iPhone with reliable user authentication methods.
It is a secure system that lets vehicle manufacturers transfer a digital key implementation to a smart device using a Trusted Service Manager infrastructure that leverages NFC distance bounding and a direct link to the secure element of the device. This kind of technology has a wide range of uses, such as car sharing and car rentals, along with key-free operation.
Given the interest in the initial release, the CCC has begun work on a Digital Key 2.0 specification that will offer a standardized authentication protocol between a vehicle and a smart device, ensuring interoperability between different smart devices and vehicles. The Digital Key 2.0 specification has a target completion date of Q1 2019.
Several car manufacturers, such as Audi, already offer Digital Key services to their customers, while others, like Volkswagen, plan to implement the feature in the near future.
Described as an organization focused on enabling seamless mobile device-to-vehicle connectivity, the CCC's new Digital Key Release specification is available to all member companies.
In addition to Apple, this includes charter member companies Audi, BMW, General Motors, HYUNDAI, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung, and Volkswagen, plus core members like ALPS ELECTRIC, Continental Automotive GmbH, DENSO, Gemalto, NXP, and Qualcomm Incorporated.
The new Digital Key specification, which uses NFC, was developed to create a "robust ecosystem" around interoperable digital key use cases. It will let drivers lock, unlock, start the engine, and share access to their cars using smart devices like the iPhone with reliable user authentication methods.
It is a secure system that lets vehicle manufacturers transfer a digital key implementation to a smart device using a Trusted Service Manager infrastructure that leverages NFC distance bounding and a direct link to the secure element of the device. This kind of technology has a wide range of uses, such as car sharing and car rentals, along with key-free operation.
Given the interest in the initial release, the CCC has begun work on a Digital Key 2.0 specification that will offer a standardized authentication protocol between a vehicle and a smart device, ensuring interoperability between different smart devices and vehicles. The Digital Key 2.0 specification has a target completion date of Q1 2019.
Several car manufacturers, such as Audi, already offer Digital Key services to their customers, while others, like Volkswagen, plan to implement the feature in the near future.
[ 128 comments ]
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12 months ago
Dont worry about Benz, Porsche, or Tesla. I'm sure they'll come out with their own standards and before long, well have 14 competing standards.
12 months ago
You'd think Tesla would be on top of this. But, it looks like that's not going to be the case. Welp. :/
Pretty sure you can start and manage a Tesla from a phone already.
12 months ago
LOL
Steve was going to build AN ENTIRE CAR and Tim...worked with a consortium to define a specification for an app.
Hard hitting stuff. World-changing.
I predict that this will be the iPod of the 2020's.
12 months ago
The real benefit comes when this gets integrated into Apple watch, and it starts working as easy as Apple pay.
12 months ago
I can't wait for the day all we'll need is our cellphone when getting out of the house; no more wallet and no more keys. :)
12 months ago
LOL
Steve was going to build AN ENTIRE CAR and Tim...worked with a consortium to define a specification for an app.
Hard hitting stuff. World-changing.
I predict that this will be the iPod of the 2020's.
When did Steve tell you he was building a car? When did Apple ever say ANYTHING concrete about ANY of that?
12 months ago
Works great on my Tesla Model 3. No more $200 key replacements. Does require a backup (e.g. if your phone dies or is lost or stolen), in Tesla's case an NFC card you keep in your wallet.
Only drawback is that when you then drive an older car, you tend to walk away from it unlocked with the motor running. Has happened to me multiple times.
Only drawback is that when you then drive an older car, you tend to walk away from it unlocked with the motor running. Has happened to me multiple times.
12 months ago
LOL
Steve was going to build AN ENTIRE CAR and Tim...worked with a consortium to define a specification for an app.
Hard hitting stuff. World-changing.
I predict that this will be the iPod of the 2020's.
So let me get this right:
- if Apple PARTICIPATES in these sorts of fora, it's an example of them not trying to change the world?
- if Apple REFUSES to participate in these fora, it's an example of their arrogance and NIH thinking?
Either way Apple is in the wrong.
Does that pretty much accurately summarize your thinking?
12 months ago
"... oh wait, i also have the apple watch with me as another option to do all those things"
Oh, right. The solution is to buy more expensive hardware. I forgot.[ Read All Comments ]
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