With the rapid development of automotive intelligence, digital keys are emerging as a global trend. Their deployment will transform travel and user experiences, reshaping the interaction between people and vehicles within the broader ecosystem.

Digital keys, enhanced by Bluetooth® technology, transcend simple car access tools and serve as the initial connection in the smart car experience. Today, every new smartphone now comes equipped with Bluetooth digital key-enabling technology. This advancement enables users to seamlessly enjoy keyless entry, starting, locking, and other security features through their smartphones and smart devices.

As a leading global provider of wireless modules and solutions, Shenzhen RF-star Technology Co., Ltd. (RF-star) was honored to be interviewed by Lori Lee, APAC Marketing Director of Bluetooth SIG. During the interview, RF-star’s Marketing Manager, Ms. Qianqian Wen, shared valuable insights into the market trends of digital keys and highlighted the pivotal role of Bluetooth technology in the intelligent vehicle ecosystem. Furthermore, we are eagerly anticipating the upcoming release of the Bluetooth Channel Sounding feature, which we believe will significantly enhance the performance of digital key solutions.

Bluetooth SIG's Interview with RF-star

• In recent years, the new energy vehicle market has grown rapidly. How do you view the importance of digital keys and market trends?

The digital key serves as the first connection point for users to experience intelligent cars. At this connection point, security, reliability, convenience, and interactive comfort are all indispensable. The success of the digital key experience design is crucial for car user evaluations and plays a key role in deepening the connection with users. With the maturity of technologies like Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), near-field communication (NFC), and ultra wide band (UWB), digital keys are entering a period of rapid growth, and integrated solutions will become the market mainstream.

• What are the technological advantages of Bluetooth technology in digital key solutions?

RF-star chose Bluetooth® technology to develop car digital key solutions, primarily because of its low power consumption, high reliability, and broad device compatibility. Bluetooth technology provides stable wireless connections and supports various smart devices like smartphones and smartwatches, enabling users to remotely control vehicles through these devices for keyless entry, starting, and other functions. Additionally, Bluetooth technology’s low power consumption helps reduce operating costs.

RF-star also values Bluetooth technology’s iterative capabilities. For example, the upcoming channel sounding feature improves the positioning accuracy of Bluetooth Digital Key solutions and protects the system from relay hijacking. It may become a cost-effective preferred technology in the digital key domain in the future.

• With the upcoming release of the Bluetooth Channel Sounding feature, what positive impacts do you foresee for digital key solutions? How can it address existing challenges and further drive the development of intelligent vehicles?

The release of Bluetooth® Channel Sounding is expected to enhance the performance of digital key solutions, particularly in precise positioning and security. This feature may address positioning challenges in complex environments, improve vehicle identification accuracy based on user’s position, and enhance Bluetooth Digital Key security by preventing relay hijacking. The overall cost effectiveness and rich ecosystem foundation of this new feature may further drive the development of Bluetooth technology in the Internet of Vehicles field, supporting higher levels of autonomous driving technology.

• Does RF-star have any further development plans for Bluetooth Digital Key solutions?

With technology evolving and market demands iterating, RF-star will continue innovating at several levels:

1. Iterating Bluetooth Digital Key experiences based on channel sounding technology
2. Adapting to iterative automotive digital architectures, collaborating with host manufacturers to implement Bluetooth Digital Key functions within updated technical frameworks, and offering integration options with other manufacturers
3. Enhancing cross-platform compatibility and interoperability of digital key solutions to provide users with a wider range of choices and more convenient services.

Refer to exclusive interview: Bluetooth Digital Key Solutions Continue to Innovate, Driving the Development of an Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem

Conclusion

Shenzhen RF-star Technology Co., Ltd. has been deeply involved in wireless communication technology for decades, accumulating extensive technical experience in the digital key field. This expertise has allowed us to successfully serve numerous local car manufacturers, with over 5 million vehicles shipped. Looking ahead, RF-star will continue to promote the development of the intelligent vehicle ecosystem. We are excited to explore and realize more possibilities in digital key technology with industry peers.

For more info about digital key solutions, please visit rfstariot.com or reach us by email at info@szrfstar.com.