Digital Car Keys and Cloud-Connected Backup Cameras

Understanding Digital Car Keys

A digital car key is a virtual version of your physical car key. Since it’s stored on your smartphone, your phone becomes the car key. When your phone is nearby, the car securely recognises it and grants access. It makes everything from locking/unlocking to sharing your car much easier and convenient. A digital car key can typically do the following tasks –

• Remote Locking and Unlocking

You can lock/unlock your car from anywhere using a digital key on your phone. So, in case you suddenly remember that you might have left your car unlocked in a mall parking slot, you can instantly lock it without going back. 

• Engine Start Through Your Phone

Digital car key security lets you start your car using your smartphone. This means you can turn on the car AC before stepping out of your house or adjust the lighting as you near the vehicle. 

• Secure Key Sharing

You can share your car key digitally with family members, friends, or even a valet. If a family member needs to pick someone up from your car, you can grant access for a few hours and cancel it later. It boosts your car’s security by giving you full control in your hands.
 

Security Features of Digital Keys

This remote vehicle access technology may appear risky to some, but its security features ensure bulletproof protection. The following security features keep it safe and reliable.

• Strong Encryption (AES)

Strong encryption is at the heart of your digital keys. This encryption prevents outsiders from reading and misusing the data shared between your phone and the car. 

• Instant Access Revocation

You can instantly block the digital key from another device if your original phone is lost or stolen. It will prevent any unauthorised access to your car.  

• Secure Lifecycle Management

The most secure part of a digital key is its lifecycle management. You have complete control over these keys from the moment they’re created. It means you also monitor and control when it expires or is deleted. This feature prevents copying or misuse of your digital keys.
 

Cloud-Connected Backup Cameras Overview

A regular backup camera only shows what’s behind your car while you’re reversing. However, a cloud-connected car camera goes a step further. It records video of what’s happening to and around your car and stores the footage online. 

It enables car owners to access footage from anywhere, at any time. Since these cameras automatically record incidents, parking mishaps, or suspicious movements around your car, you’re fully aware of your vehicle’s conditions. 

Even if something happens while you’re away, the footage is already saved and protected. The following key benefits make wireless backup cameras even more reliable. 

• Enhanced Parking Safety

These cloud-connected car cameras help you see objects clearly while reversing. For instance, they can prevent you from accidentally hitting a hidden curb or even a child moving behind your car, so you can park safely.

• Theft Deterrence

If thieves are aware that a camera is monitoring and recording them, they may refrain from attempting to steal or damage your car. In case something unfortunate happens, you can use the stored footage to file a police complaint and have the culprits arrested.

• Ease of Evidence Collection

If your parked car is scratched by a passing vehicle or gets severely damaged in a hit-and-run case, you can quickly retrieve the stored footage and use it as objective evidence for insurance claims or police reports.
 

Integration of Digital Keys and Backup Cameras in Connected Cars

In connected cars, both digital car keys and cloud-connected car cameras are managed by the vehicle’s integrated software architecture. It ensures all components work together to provide a unified user experience. 

If you have any personalised settings, such as seat position, audio preferences, etc., the digital car key security can automatically configure them once you enter the vehicle. The camera systems, on the other hand, can continuously provide safety data to both the driver and the car’s autonomous functions.
 

Use Cases and Industry Adoption

Digital car keys are not new, so you can find numerous cars which provide this option. Android digital car keys are compatible with several car models from brands such as Audi, BMW, Fiat, Honda, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and more. 

If you’re looking for vehicles compatible with the Apple car key, consider exploring models from BMW, Kia, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. However, remember that not all models may support this functionality. It’s recommended to check whether digital keys are available with your shortlisted car models. 

If they’re compatible, you can use these keys to secure vehicle access and enable seamless sharing with family/friends. Remote access management and personalised settings activation are also available. Those specifically looking for cloud-connected smart backup cameras should consider Toyota, Genesis, Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz models. 

While this isn’t as standard in most vehicles as digital keys, those with this feature can help drivers with remote monitoring, theft deterrence, and accident evidence collection.
 

Conclusion

A few years back, you could have considered digital keys and cloud-connected cameras as ‘extra’ and ‘nice to have’ features that are optional. But in today’s scenario, they’ve become necessary functionalities or equipment. The key lets you securely and remotely manage your car’s access. The camera will keep you aware of your vehicle’s condition and surroundings. 

Both are necessary and they work together to provide an exceptionally seamless user experience. If you want additional security, get a Car Insurance policy with adequate coverage and add-on covers. You can explore Shriram Car Insurance as it provides both at affordable premiums.
 

FAQs

1.What are digital car keys?

Digital car keys are virtual keys that let you control access from a remote location. Since you control it using a mobile app, your smartphone becomes your car keys.
 

2.How do cloud-connected backup cameras work?

These cameras can record videos of your car’s surroundings and upload them to a secure online storage. You can access this footage from anywhere and at any time. The footage access remains with you, even if the physical camera hardware gets damaged in a road accident.
 

3.Can digital keys be shared securely?

Yes, these keys can be shared securely. They use strong encryption, so your data remains protected in all situations.
 

4.What advantages do cloud-connected cameras have over traditional ones?

The biggest advantage is that recorded videos are automatically stored on a cloud server, making remote access quick and easy.
 

5.Which cars currently provide these technologies?

Several brands, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla, provide these technologies.