Hyundai Concept Turns your Smartphone into your Car Key

The new Hyundai Connectivity Concept uses Near Field Communication technology to turn a driver's smartphone into their car key, as well as unlock the car doors and stream content while wirelessly charging.

Hyundai recently unveiled this technology on its i30 in Germany, which is the European version of the Elantra Touring. The driver simply swipes their phone over a tag to open the door, then places it in the center console. From there, it syncs with the vehicle's infotainment system; streaming music, accessing the driver's phone book and setting personal preferences. During this time the phone is receiving a wireless charge.

You've probably seen commercials for a similar technology - OnStar, which also allows drivers to unlock their cars with their Smartphones. OnStar however, is operated through an app that transmits information from the phone to OnStar, then back to the car. The Hyundai Connectivity Concept works more efficiently since it's an instant wireless connection.

Hyundai hopes to put this technology into production in the very near future, meaning we'd see it as early as the 2015 model year.

What do you think? Good idea? If you're a fan of the current technology, check out our Hyundai inventory here!


All information and image via Digital Trends