“Users would simply have to enter a pin code and wave the device over an electronic pad fitted beside a door to open it,” Gray reports. “The technology is revealed in a newly published patent application, which has generated speculation that the next model of the iPhone will contain this feature.”
“The iKey uses a similar principal to the technology employed by card access entry systems commonly used in many workplaces and the Oyster Card, used on public transport in London. Car manufacturers, including Mercedes, Lexus and Toyota, are also starting to use such keyless entry systems for their vehicles through key fobs,” Gray reports. “According to the patent, Apple hopes to replace these cards and keyfobs by allowing the iPhone to be used instead to unlock doors to buildings and cars.”
Gray reports, “The iKey technology will take Apple one step further towards creating a ubiquitous mobile device that is the only thing people need to carry in their pockets… eander Kahney, a consumer technology expert and author of a book and blog called the Cult of Mac, said there were strong rumours that Apple had already been testing the technology and it could lead to the company even trying to replace consumers’ wallets.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Makes perfect sense, especially if you want to minimize scratching your iPhone in your pocket. We can see Apple’s slogan already: “No keys, no coins, no scratches.”
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader "Dirty Pierre le Punk" for the heads up.]
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