# Virtual Smartphone Vehicle Keys The Hyundai Digital Key Frees Drivers from Traditional Keys By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-04-11 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-digital-key References: [slashgear](https://www.slashgear.com/hyundai-to-show-off-digital-car-key-in-new-york-10572635/) & [hyundainews](https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/2749) The [Hyundai](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2022-hyundai-sonata) [Digital Key](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bmw-digital-key) was announced by the automotive brand as a new solution that will offer drivers the ability to ditch traditional keys in favor of their smartphone. Set to be demonstrated at the New York International Auto Show, the new app will launch alongside the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata this fall and harnesses the power of NFC connectivity that smartphones feature. The system will automatically work to see if the smartphone is authorized before allowing users to lock and unlock the vehicle by simply tapping their device on the door handle. The Hyundai Digital Key functionality will also work with up to four drivers to automatically change up the interior settings including seat position and mirrors depending on who is getting in the driver's seat. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Virtual Smartphone Vehicle Keys:** The trend of using smartphones as vehicle keys provides opportunities for automotive brands to enhance convenience and improve user experience. - **NFC Connectivity in Automotive:** The trend of utilizing NFC connectivity in automobiles creates potential for innovative features and personalized settings, elevating the driving experience. - **Remote Vehicle Control:** The trend of remote vehicle control through smartphone apps opens doors for disruptive innovations in automotive security and convenience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Automotive industry players have the opportunity to leverage smartphone technology to redefine traditional vehicle access and control methods. - **Mobile Technology:** Mobile technology companies can explore partnerships with automotive brands to develop advanced smartphone-based vehicle control solutions. - **Smartphone Apps:** The smartphone app industry can tap into the growing demand for features that enable users to unlock, lock, and personalize vehicle settings using their device. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cross-Platform Car Key Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bmw-digital-key.md) - [Virtual Smartphone Hotel Keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-hotel-key.md) - [Next-Level Digital Lock Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proximkey.md) - [Vehicle-Forward Watch Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-apple-watch-app.md) - [Technologically Advanced Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2022-hyundai-sonata.md) - [Sneaker Tag-Inspired Car Keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kicks-key.md) - [Smartphone-Centric Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlage-encode-plus.md) - [Auto-Centric Digital Retail Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-auto.md) - [Futuristic Meta Automotive Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metamobility.md)