Will we be using face recognition to unlock our cars?

Access to the Genesis GV60’s interior will be via facial recognition. — AFP Relaxnews

Genesis, Hyundai’s premium brand, is creating a stir by introducing the first-ever solution for unlocking a car with face recognition, through tech implemented directly into the vehicle.

These days it’s second nature to unlock your smartphone with face recognition; tomorrow it will be possible to get into your car through a simple glance. The brand Genesis is introducing these new advanced biometric features on its first electric SUV, the GV60.

This technology is made possible through a deep learning image processor embedded in a sensor positioned on the edge of the rear door. This Face Connect feature gives customers the ability to access their car via face recognition, which can be convenient if they have their hands full or shopping, for example. In fact, they will only need keys to access their car once, when setting up their profile for the face recognition entry option.

Note that afterwards the driver will be able to start the car with their fingertip, using a fingerprint. The manufacturer guarantees that all this information will be encrypted and that no biometric data will be stored remotely or shared with third parties.

And it doesn't stop there, as Genesis also will allow customers to upgrade to a digital key, using one's smartphone or connected watch, which can be shared with three other people in order to access the vehicle without having to carry a physical key. Once again, they will then be able to start the vehicle with their fingerprint.

The SUV will also feature an in-car air purification system with a high-performance premium air filter that senses air quality and automatically activates as dust concentration levels increase. Note that the Genesis GV60 is fully customisable from an online configurator. – AFP Relaxnews