Cell Phone Bluetooth Keyfob

[ahkahn]

I know, bad name for a thread. Seeing the Model 3 reveal got me thinking... Since the key fobs for the Model S and X are bluetooth connected, I wonder what the odds are that they'll enable a cell phone to work as a fob for the existing Bluetooth fob'd S's and X's?

Conjecture begin now....

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

From this article, about Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 first drive experience: a smaller Model S with a minimalist look

"Now you have to actually get in the car. Tesla is parting ways with its concept of using a key fob that looks like the car and instead, it will rely primarily on the owner’s phone.

Tesla’s app will take an increasingly more important role and the Model 3 will be Bluetooth connected to the owner phone in order to unlock the doors as they approach."

 

[StefanSarzio]

I hope they make the app use Bluetooth too for the Model S. That could improve summon in Europe: summon is only allowed via the app, but internet round trips make for a delayed stop.

 

[AmericanPharoh]

I would be ok having bluetooth unlock option added to my car. However, I don't want to give up my key, and I wouldn't leave my key at home. I can't tell you how many times the bluetooth doesn't connect to the car, or won't connect without a restart.

Also, the car's bluetooth will need to be on all the time. As I understand it now, the Model S only tries to connect bluetooth when you open the door.

 

[mbhforum]

I think this is a great move by Tesla. I gave up keys for my home a couple years ago and rely on home automation with mobile presence(GPS) from mobile phone and have never had a problem because I have a backup (keycode PIN is used when I have a problem with home automation). Same for the car, use your phone, and if that fails, use the card in your wallet. Keys are not necessary anymore.

 

[deonb]

Also, the car's bluetooth will need to be on all the time. As I understand it now, the Model S only tries to connect bluetooth when you open the door.

Just have the car connect to bluetooth when you bring the keyfob in range...

 

[murphyS90D]

I know, bad name for a thread. Seeing the Model 3 reveal got me thinking... Since the key fobs for the Model S and X are bluetooth connected, I wonder what the odds are that they'll enable a cell phone to work as a fob for the existing Bluetooth fob'd S's and X's?

Conjecture begin now....

The model S fobs are not bluetooth connected. They are on 315 MHz. I don't know, since I've never seen one, but the model X fobs are also probably on 315 MHz.

 

[ahkahn]

Also, the car's bluetooth will need to be on all the time. As I understand it now, the Model S only tries to connect bluetooth when you open the door.

Pretty sure the way Bluetooth LE works is that things don't necessarily have to be on in a high power setting. Devices like "Tiles", which use a single battery and last over a year, as well as the current iteration of the key fobs use this technology.

I think this is a great move by Tesla. I gave up keys for my home a couple years ago and rely on home automation with mobile presence(GPS) from mobile phone and have never had a problem because I have a backup (keycode PIN is used when I have a problem with home automation). Same for the car, use your phone, and if that fails, use the card in your wallet. Keys are not necessary anymore.

Really great move. I hate carrying anything in my pockets anymore. My last keyfob got destroyed in my pocket, so now I'm really leery on things being in there.

The model S fobs are not bluetooth connected. They are on 315 MHz. I don't know, since I've never seen one, but the model X fobs are also probably on 315 MHz.

Not according to this Electrek article. The only other thought is that this was a rouse to hide the Model 3 development.

 

[Krash]

The model S fobs are not bluetooth connected. They are on 315 MHz. I don't know, since I've never seen one, but the model X fobs are also probably on 315 MHz.

I was told by my service center the model X fobs are Bluetooth connected but that the S are not, similar to @ahkahn's Electrek article. It would make an interesting S retrofit. I am definitely in the "I don't need a miniature version of my car in my pocket since I always keep my phone there" camp.