The creation by Google of the Android Ready SE Alliance, aimed at pushing the adoption of keys and licenses in digital format, dates back to March of this year. At Google I/O 2021, Big G even announced the introduction in Android 12 of support for the Digital Car Key function, designed to help users open their cars directly with their smartphone.
Despite that interesting announcement and subsequent rumors about the role of Find My Device, so far in the beta versions of Android 12 (here is our test of the last one ), there has been no mention of this interesting new feature of the robot.
<string name="dck_alerts_channel_description">Get alerts about digital car key</string>
<string name="dck_alerts_channel_title">Important updates</string>
<string name="dck_applet_aid">Owner</string>
<string name="dck_hce_service_description">DCKF over NFC</string>
<string name="dck_notification_name">System</string>
<string name="dck_offhost_applet_service_description">Owner</string>
<string name="dck_stub_download_check_internet_text">Check your internet connection</string>
<string name="dck_stub_download_check_storage_button">Check storage settings</string>
<string name="dck_stub_download_check_storage_text">Make sure you have enough free space</string>
<string name="dck_stub_full_module_download_failure_non_retryable_notification_content">Get the latest version of Google Play services</string>
<string name="dck_stub_full_module_download_failure_notification_title">"Couldn't install update"</string>
<string name="dck_stub_full_module_download_failure_retryable_notification_content">Tap to check device settings</string>
<string name="dck_stub_full_module_download_in_progress_notification_title">Updating your phone</string>
<string name="dck_stub_module_incompatible_content">"This digital key isn't available on this phone"</string>
<string name="dck_stub_module_incompatible_title">"Phone isn't supported"</string>
<string name="dck_stub_module_unavailable_content">"This digital key isn't available in your region"</string>
<string name="dck_stub_module_unavailable_title">"Region isn't supported"</string>
<string name="dck_stub_synchronous_download_page_button_label">Update phone</string>
<string name="dck_stub_synchronous_download_page_content">"This will install the digital car key service on your phone. You'll get a notification in a few minutes to continue setting up your key."</string>Coming to the facts of the day, the latest update of Google Play Services, let’s talk about version 21.39.15, includes numerous strings of code that recall the aforementioned Digital Car Key function, or the possibility of using the Android device as car keys in digital format.
These clues lead us to believe that Google may even add the feature when the stable version of Android 12 for the Pixels is released in the second half of the month.
As Big G pointed out earlier, these strings of code confirm that the Digital Car Key feature will make use of NFC connectivity to help the user unlock the car. The code also allows you to learn that the feature will only be available for selected models and only in certain markets at launch.
Once rolled out in the context of a subsequent Google Play Services update, users will be able to see a dedicated notification that will help them set up the feature for the first time. Just a tap on the aforementioned notification will open a pop-up with the message This will install the digital car key service on your phone.
You’ll get a notification in a few minutes to continue setting up your key (The digital car key service will be installed on your smartphone. You will receive a notification within a few minutes to continue setting your key).
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The following string, on the other hand, reveals that, for safety reasons, users who decide to activate the Digital Car Key function will be asked to set an unlock method for the smartphone.
The importance attributed by Google to this safety factor is so significant that it is also reported all cards and digital keys will be removed from Google Pay if you don’t set a screen lock in the next 5 minutes” (“all cards and the digital keys will be removed from Google Pay if you do not set an unlock method within the next 5 minutes), suggesting the use of Google Pay to save the digital keys.
Previously Google had already confirmed that the Digital Car Key feature would make use of both NFC and UWB technology. While the implementation via NFC will require a smartphone touch on the car door for unlocking purposes, the UWB solution will be even more convenient, as it will allow you to open the car without even having to take the smartphone out of your pocket.
The Californian giant had also confirmed that the function would be made available only for certain models of the Pixel series and for some Samsung Galaxy. At this point, we just have to wait for the sharing of more detailed information on the occasion of the upcoming launch of the Google Pixel 6 series.