January 8, 2015

Audi Announces Smartwatch That Unlocks Your Car

by Shayne Rana

As if there wasn’t enough smartwatch technology out there already that car maker Audi needed to develop their own as well. Don’t get me wrong, an Audi designed smartwatch does have its appeal, from a premium perspective, and the fact that the watch communicates exclusively with their cars.

Making its presence felt at CES 2015, the watch was showcased as a unique way of unlocking the new A7-based, “piloted driving” concept that’s being called Prologue. Using NFC (Near Field Communication) the watch would act as a trigger to unlock doors of the vehicle with you get close by without needing to possibly rummage around your pockets or purse for the keys. If you’re in a hurry, this could be quite handy.

The way we interact with your vehicles these days is quite interesting and the standard key seems to be on its way out, into oblivion. Although not much more has been discussed about the watch, I know one thing, if this timepiece is stolen, you’ve guaranteed the thief a bonus i.e. your car. It’s like a two-for-one deal unless alternate security functions are available, which I undoubtedly believe would be. I’m quite sure that this is not the only function for the watch but we’ll have to wait a bit longer for more details to emerge. 2015’s Detroit Auto Show just is where Audi might just unlock all the secrets to their new sophisticated timepiece.