VOXX Launches Keyless-Entry Smartphone App

Hauppauge, N.Y.-based VOXX International Corp. says its VOXXHirschmann has won its first contract for the company’s keyless-entry smartphone app.

VOXX will begin supplying the cloud-based “efob” to an unnamed electric vehicle company in 2018. The system is compatible with both Apple and Android devices as a stand-alone app or integrated with a carmaker’s smartphone interface.

In addition to locking and unlocking the doors, the app can be used to remotely start a vehicle and initiate personalized settings for a vehicle’s audio, climate control and seating preferences. The device uses a proximity sensor and Bluetooth 4.0 (low-power consumption) to automatically unlock a vehicle’s doors as a motorist approaches with an enabled smartphone. A physical key doesn't have to be present, and no cellular signal or internet connection is required.

The app can be shared with multiple users with individual profile settings for the same vehicle. Users also can set time and geo-based restrictions, and theft protection functions.