Automakers Are Working Together To Get Rid Of Car Keys

Car keys have evolved a lot since the introduction of the automobile. Keys started off as metal sticks that you'd turn in an ignition, but have evolved intoproximity key fobsthat you carry around to trigger a push-button start. Proximity keys are great because they allow drivers to get in their cars without having to reach into their pocket and take something out. The next generation of car keys are currently in development as automakers begin to replace expensive key fobs with something you already carry around in your pocket: a smartphone.

Tesla has already introduced the idea of using a smartphone as a key with the new Model 3, which only has a backup card key if your smartphone dies. A group called the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) - which includes Volkswagen, BMW, Hyundai, Apple, LG, Samsung, and others - just announced the publication of the Digital Key Release 1.0 specification.