Soon, iPhone to replace car key

Ever thought about opening the door of your car from your phone just like James Bond does? Well, General Motors, Holden's parent company has now launched a new iPhone app that could replace the car key. It can already warn of parking officers, order your groceries and boost your share portfolio.

The phone application will allow drivers to activate all of the traditional key fob features, including unlocking the doors and opening the boot. There will also be a remote start function that could prove handy for warming up the car on those colder mornings (or cooling it down during summer), and if you forget where you parked you can set off your car's horn and lights at the touch of a button so it can alert you to its location.

The app, which is set to be available within a few months, will also display a vehicle 'health report', which will include info such as fuel range, oil life, tyre pressures as well as a lifetime breakdown of average fuel economy for the car.

However, the app will only be available in the US, Canada and China, with buyers of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC expected to be able to control their car from their phone within a few months. The app is run as part of an in-vehicle safety and security system called OnStar.

"Technology empowers drivers to make decisions about their travels well before they enter the vehicle, meaning their full attention can stay where it needs to be - on the road ahead," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted company spokesman Chris Preuss said.