Apple's 'iKey' to replace humble door key
Monday, 08 March 2010, 15:14 IST   |    7 Comments
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Apple's 'iKey' to replace humble door key
London: Making it easier and more comfortable for people to unlock their car, front door and gain access to their office, Apple is planning to replace its traditional door key with a hi-tech alternative nicknamed the 'iKey'. This key will allow people to use a single electronic device to unlock their car, front gate and their office gates. The technology simply requires the users to enter a pin code and wave the device over an electronic pad fitted beside a door to open it. It is believed that the next model of the iPhone will contain this feature. The application states that the device can communicate with an external device to open a lock. The external device may be any suitable electronic device such as a portable media player, personal data assistant or electronic lock that may be used to access a door, car, house or other physical area. For safety purpose, the device is likely to be attributed with a feature to encrypt any information that passes between the iPhone and the computer-controlled lock, preventing hackers from "listening in". Leander Kahney, Consumer Technology Expert and Author of 'Cult of Mac' said that there were rumors that Apple has been testing the technology. "If true, it's a very big deal. As well as opening doors and unlocking your car, it could also turn your iPhone into an electronic wallet and ID card. You'd be able to pay for buses and trains, as well as your morning coffee and groceries in a jiffy, just by laying your iPhone on a special pad, and the price is electronically deducted from your account," said Kahney. Speaking abou t he technology, Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple said, "We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We've decided to do something about it. We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours."

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