Smartphones are set to replace more than our wallets.
South Korean Hyundai Motor Company predicts by 2015 drivers will be able to unlock car doors and start the engine with a swipe of a smartphone over an embedded near-field communication tag.
But, that's not all your smartphone can do. Connected car systems will be able to detect your phone automatically to stream your favorite music, phone contacts and radio station preferences seamlessly. Seat and mirror settings will also automatically change depending on who is at the steering wheel. The best part is your battery will wirelessly charge while it's sitting in the center console, according to Hyundai.
The automaker recently demonstrated the connectivity concept at its European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, on the New Generation i30.
“With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrate it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion,” said Allan Rushforth, senior vice president and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe.
Are you looking forward to ditching bulky car keys for connected smartphones? Tell us in the comments.
