Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Qualcomm
Digital car keys are still a concept suffering from lackluster adoption, mainly because the technology is expensive and phone makers only offer it on high-end mobile devices with a premium price tag.
One of the roadblocks to the mass adoption of digital car keys is the UWB support, which has, until now, required a dedicated chip to power the feature.
Samsung is one of the phone makers that jumped on the UWB bandwagon, but even the world's number one mobile device manufacturer decided to offer the feature exclusively on its high-end models. The Galaxy S24 series comes with UWB support only on the Plus and Ultra models, whereas the standard version lacks the feature.
Enter Qualcomm and its new connectivity package announced at MWC.
The company's latest FastConnect 7900 connectivity solution comes with a major change in how Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB are offered on next-generation chips: they no longer require separate chips.
All processors that will adopt FastConnect 7900 (it's safe to say the recently announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will get the new tech) will come with an all-in-one chip solution, integrating UWB without needing a separate chip. The solution comes with major benefits in key areas, allowing for extra room for other components and making adopting UWB more convenient for phone makers.
Theoretically, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will allow phone makers to offer UWB on more devices than just high-end models. However, the chances are Qualcomm will also bring the connectivity solution to more processors, including chips aimed at mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is primarily aimed at premium phones, but now that the new design is available, Qualcomm should gradually expand it to other chips.
The digital car key concept comes with one primary benefit over traditional car keys. Drivers can leave their keys home, unlock cars, and start the engine using their smartphones. Additionally, the UWB integration allows car owners to share keys with other users. The feature integrates multiple useful settings, including temporary car key sharing, which comes in handy for vehicle-sharing services.
However, while mobile device makers seem ready to jump on the UWB bandwagon, carmakers are still reluctant to use the technology. Few carmakers have adopted the digital car key system, including BMW and Hyundai. Still, if UWB hardware becomes more common in the mobile sector, the automotive space should follow in its footsteps.
Qualcomm did not share more specifics on the FastConnect 7900 availability, but considering it was announced at MWC this year, it should debut on the first devices later this year. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor will likely come with the connectivity solution, meaning the next Galaxy S models will all support UWB when they launch early next year.
Samsung is one of the phone makers that jumped on the UWB bandwagon, but even the world's number one mobile device manufacturer decided to offer the feature exclusively on its high-end models. The Galaxy S24 series comes with UWB support only on the Plus and Ultra models, whereas the standard version lacks the feature.
Enter Qualcomm and its new connectivity package announced at MWC.
The company's latest FastConnect 7900 connectivity solution comes with a major change in how Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB are offered on next-generation chips: they no longer require separate chips.
All processors that will adopt FastConnect 7900 (it's safe to say the recently announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will get the new tech) will come with an all-in-one chip solution, integrating UWB without needing a separate chip. The solution comes with major benefits in key areas, allowing for extra room for other components and making adopting UWB more convenient for phone makers.
Theoretically, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will allow phone makers to offer UWB on more devices than just high-end models. However, the chances are Qualcomm will also bring the connectivity solution to more processors, including chips aimed at mid-range devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is primarily aimed at premium phones, but now that the new design is available, Qualcomm should gradually expand it to other chips.
The digital car key concept comes with one primary benefit over traditional car keys. Drivers can leave their keys home, unlock cars, and start the engine using their smartphones. Additionally, the UWB integration allows car owners to share keys with other users. The feature integrates multiple useful settings, including temporary car key sharing, which comes in handy for vehicle-sharing services.
However, while mobile device makers seem ready to jump on the UWB bandwagon, carmakers are still reluctant to use the technology. Few carmakers have adopted the digital car key system, including BMW and Hyundai. Still, if UWB hardware becomes more common in the mobile sector, the automotive space should follow in its footsteps.
Qualcomm did not share more specifics on the FastConnect 7900 availability, but considering it was announced at MWC this year, it should debut on the first devices later this year. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor will likely come with the connectivity solution, meaning the next Galaxy S models will all support UWB when they launch early next year.
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