Automakers and the consumer tech industry have collaborated to establish a new working group dedicated to developing industrywide standards for ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity.
This collaborative effort is the outcome of two consortiums joining forces: the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), which counts Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and numerous major car manufacturers among its members, and the FiRa Consortium, a nonprofit organization supporting UWB technology and comprising members such as Apple, Google, Cisco, Samsung, Qualcomm, and others.
The newly formed working group bears the rather complex name of the Joint Ultra-wideband (UWB) MAC PHY Working Group (JUMPWG), though its acronym may not easily roll off the tongue. Despite its name, this group’s primary objective is clear: to ensure the long-term interoperability and scalability of advanced UWB technology designed for the CCC Digital Key. This initiative aims to encourage broader adoption of UWB technology, facilitating secure and precise ranging for vehicle access. CCC President Alysia Johnson emphasized the significance of this effort in promoting the use of digital keys for vehicle access.
The development of standardized UWB technology is expected to pave the way for more seamless and secure car key access using smartphones like the iPhone, enhancing convenience and user experience for consumers.