Apple iKey: The Only Key You Will Ever Need
Say goodbye to the noisy bunch of keys you bring with you on a daily basis. Yet another Apple patent has surfaced, this time involving the replacement of traditional keys with the use of your iPhone.
Dubbed the iKey by the Daily Telegraph, the newest patent application from Apple looks like an extension of a previous patent regarding the iPhone NFC system.
The Near Field Communication (NFC) system is a communication technology that allows an Apple device to emit a signal to a compatible gadget within a limited area. Apple’s new patent evolves this older concept by adding a Motion Sensitive Input Selection that can allow the user to open any type of door by entering the correct PIN code and waving the Apple device over a fitted electronic security box.
The iPhone was cited as an example in the patent. Considering the fact that another previous Apple patent mentioned NFC in the iPhone 4.0, it is likely to be the device of choice for this sort of application. However, there is no reason why Apple will not also integrate it into the iPad or the iPod Touch. All three devices run on the iPhone operating system so Apple only needs to include an RFID chip in new models to implement the iKey technology.
The iKey technology is not only limited to opening doors. This system can also serve as an electronic wallet or an all-around ID pass. With this in mind, what would stop people from listening in and stealing personal information right off the device?
The patent mentioned employing encryption technology in order to protect the information stored in the mobile phone. With Apple security the way it is now, the technology may have a long way to go before it convinces most iPhone owners to get rid of their traditional house locks and cut up their credit cards.
More information about the iKey can be found at Ubergizmo.
Tags: Apple-iKey
