Apple's digital car keys tipped to work with Hyundai, Genesis models this summer

Source: Apple

Apple's digital car key feature might unlock more than a few BMW models. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports in his latest newsletter that Hyundai and its premium Genesis brand will support Apple CarKey "by the summer." It isn't known what models might support the feature, but as Engadget pointed out, some trim levels of the Ioniq 5 and other Hyundai models have NFC for a digital key, which is currently proprietary.

If the leak is accurate, then Hyundai and Genesis owners will have an easier way to unlock their vehicles. They just need to bring the phone or Apple Watch to the door handle to unlock it. Those using ultra-wideband iPhones (like the iPhone 11 and newer) can keep their phone in their pockets when opening and starting the car.

Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone will find and unlock new cars from Audi, BMW, Ford, and Genesis

One of the more exciting functionality announcement from Samsung's Galaxy S21 line of smartphones is that they will be able to use Ultra Wide Band Bluetooth to find and unlock new vehicles from Audi, BMW, Ford and Genesis. Samsung is expanding its ecosystem by partnering with carmakers to add the convenience so smartphone owners can access and unlock upcoming vehicles.

“With precise distance calculation, Samsung’s UWB-enabled digital key sends short pulses between the mobile device and the paired car, unlocking the door once you reach it,” Samsung explained. “Without UWB, users will be able to use their compatible smartphones as a car key through NFC.” Models like the Galaxy S21 Plus, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra support UWB for finer and more accurate location tracking. Turning smartphones into digital key fobs can be very convenient since car owners can possibly share access to their vehicles without turning over their real keys. The feature is expected to roll out later this year pending some standardization.

Source: XDA Developers

Genesis teases its New York sedan concept

Hyundai's Genesis luxury brand has been relentless with its participation in auto shows and getting its lavish new cars some well deserved coverage. The latest bit is a teaser video for its New York sedan concept in time for the New York Auto Show. The four-door sports sedan concept reveals a lot of interesting and innovative touches but reinforces luxury and styling above all.

Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis brand, said: "The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand. With its expressive volumes and refined design, the New York Concept truly embodies the athletic elegance, which characterizes Genesis products."

The New York Concept will be unveiled at the Genesis Press Conference at 16:25-16:50, March 23 at the New York Auto Show's North Concourse.

Hyundai is highest ranked non-luxury maker as Genesis, Elantra, and Accent top their segments in 2014

THere's a new sherrif in town. J.D. Power just recognized Hyundai as the top-performing non-luxury brand for initial quality and presented three Hyundai vehicles – 2014 Genesis, 2014 Elantra and 2014 Accent – their highest award in their respective segments in the U.S. We've reviewed the 2014 Santa Fe XL as well as the Veloster Turbo and found both to be remarkably well-equipped for cars in their respective classes. Hit jump for more details on the well-deserved recognition.

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