Unlocking Your Tesla with a Smartphone

In the near-future, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology could let a smartphone unlock your Tesla.

Apple and Samsung have been exploring UWB tech, and Tesla recently submitted six new “products” for the FCC’s consideration – according to The Verge, this includes two key fobs, a security controller, and a number of “endpoints” for the frame and cabin of a vehicle.

And the FCC filing includes a detailed description of the technology:

“The device is a fully integrated single chip Impulse Radio Ultra Wideband (IR-UWB) low energy, low-cost transceiver IC…it is designed for Secure Ranging applications in an automotive environment. It can be used in 2-way ranging or TDOA location systems to locate assets to a precision down to 10 cm.”

So it could not only unlock your car but help locate it – a key fob can only do that by playing a vehicular version of Marco Polo.

BMW had previously committed to this technology, and it’s no surprise that one of the more progressive automakers would also pursue UWB in their own, unique way.

Of course, the fact that Apple is tied into UWB – and the Apple Car is on the horizon – begs the question of how their own vehicle might utilize ultra-wideband tech.

Apple is usually, if not on the bleeding edge, then close to it, and I can’t imagine their own car not integrating UWB (after a trial run with other vehicles and iPhones).

Read more here.