That is easy to do, if the phone has the tech (NFC) built in it will work very easy. The issue is NFC is still a new tech item so not all phones or devices have it yet.

Also on losing your phone. I agree it is a huge security risk, but take my iPhone for example as preventitive measures:
-I can track it down to a specific GPS spot within 5-10 feet
-Can remotely wipe it or lock it out
-Play a security alert
-Have a full back-up ready to go within minutes of receiving a new phone (via cloud or laptop)
-Passcodes on every app I can and on the phone itself

This will always be an option in my lifetime with a key standard. It requires a phone with the NFC chip. Not even the iPhone 5 has this chip.

I was just going to mention many of these points.

If your phone doesn't work for some reason..... :ugh2:

If someone took your phone.... :ugh2:

If you go to valet parking... :ugh2:

If you need someone to just quickly move your car... :ugh2:

If they say you still have a key as spare....

Then what's the point.... :ugh2:

So what if you forget to pay your phone bill or the service goes out or you drop your phone in the sink...?

I hope that there will also be a mechanical, keyed lock as most remote-door-lock equipped cars (eg, 370Z) have now. Maybe not.

Some tech I like and others I don't. I much more prefer the key fob. Just make it more like the Vette one where you don't have to lock the car yourself. Just walk away and in 15 sec it locks the car for you. I currently love being able to walk up to the car and just grab the handle. But connected to my phone? no thanks. I don't use apps or any of that crap. Basically just use it for calling, occasional photos, and basic internet searches. Honestly, half the time on the weekends i don't even take my phone with me. I figure I got along just fine 10 years ago without a phone I can do the same now.

As for all this consolidating of data on to one device that controls everything, personally I'd rather they wait, perfect it, and then do it like they have showed in movies: implant the bitch in my hand or something.

They need a smart key fob that can work with multiple vehicles or something that fits in your wallet.

Great idea! It should be possible to make a fob in credit card form. Might not have replaceable battery. Not sure how one would be programmed - something similar to a CC mag stripe writer, but RF?

NFC actually isn't new technology. The concept is atleast 50 years old (beginning with RFID and eventually evolving to NFC as a standard) and has been widely adopted in other countries. The US is just way behind on adopting new things (Far too many people afraid of technology than there should be for a first world country, IMO)

When we eventually get the infrastructure for this I wouldn't be surprised if a card that fits in your wallet or your phone replaced your key completely. For those of you who are afraid that your phone might run out of batteries, it's possible for it to simply run a passive RFID or NFC tag that doesn't require power. I THINK as it is now our key fobs don't actually need batteries to start the engine, the battery is simply for remote locking/unlocking. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this. :confused:

I kind of have mixed feelings about this. I think it is a cool idea, but I think I'd prefer a key fob for many of the reasons mentioned already.

Why don't we get rid of the key all together and use biometrics? Put a thumb print pad on it and you could program as many people as you want and never again leave you key locked in the car.

They will have 2 sets of keys.

A mechanical key for the people complaining above and I'll take the smartphone key.

By the time they successfully develop the software/phone-apps to unlock and start the car... :tup: (<== sounds like)

Hackers would also have successfully developed a malware that stole the code from our phone thus locate and steal the car.... :ugh2:.... :ugh2::ugh2::ugh2:


after all, why don't they use the funds to add some 20-30 horses or improve the handling or the quality instead of this kind of useless features.

I mean.... what's wrong with the keyless entry FOB...?? :confused:

Your missing the point. In the future there are no pockets. So tech companies have to get us use to carrying less stuff. First step is figure out how to make the smart phone replace everything you carry i.e. calendar, blackbook, camera, wallet, and now car keys. Next step is to implant this NFC chip into everyone at birth. They will then be able to track every purchase you make, every book you read, and every magazine you skim through out the checkout line in Walmart. Privacy will be a concept that we tell our grandchildren about (when I was a kid...)