Samsung turns Galaxy smartphones into digital car keys
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Samsung is making its Galaxy devices even more useful than they are right now with the addition of a new feature that will turn them into digital car keys. Thanks to the revolutionary UWB technology, Samsung Galaxy users will be able to unlock, lock, and start their cars using their smartphones.
UWB is a short-range, wireless communication protocol that uses radio waves to function, similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Unlike these two though, UWB sends radio wave at a much higher frequency, enabling highly accurate spatial awareness and directional capabilities that allow smartphones to correctly understand their surroundings better.
More importantly, UWB enables passive entry, which means you’ll be able to lock and unlock your car, start the engine, open the trunk and even activate your personalized settings through your smartphone. The digital key can be shared if you’re lending your car to a friend, and you can even set a time limit on how long the shared key will work.
Initially, Samsung’s digital key will be available in NFC and UWB with the Genesis V60 luxury electric vehicle in South Korea by the end of the year. Also, the smartphone maker announced that the UWB digital key is compatible with Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, Note 20 Ultra and Z Fold 2 and 3.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific Samsung Galaxy models will support the UWB digital key functionality?
Which specific Samsung Galaxy models will support the UWB digital key functionality?
The UWB digital key will be compatible with the Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, Note 20 Ultra, and the Z Fold 2 and 3 models. These are the devices listed that can use this new feature.
Q.What is the key difference between UWB technology and other wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
What is the key difference between UWB technology and other wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
UWB sends radio waves at a much higher frequency than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This enables highly accurate spatial awareness and directional capabilities, allowing smartphones to understand their surroundings better.
Q.When and where will Samsung's digital car key feature first become available?
When and where will Samsung's digital car key feature first become available?
Initially, Samsung's digital key will be available by the end of the year in South Korea. It will launch with the Genesis V60 luxury electric vehicle, utilising both NFC and UWB.
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