This scenario is not new. Whether you accidentally lock yourself out of your car or keep your doors closed for safety, car keys can be either a driver's best friend or their worst enemy. Throughout my life, I've never owned my own car, but I've been curious as to what the future would be for automobile security. After many years, Volvo may finally be giving the world a glimpse of what is to come.

Volvo announced earlier this month at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona of a new key system. The manufacturing company is currently testing a Bluetooth app in Sweden that would replace the standard metal car key with smartphones. While the app can stop and start the engine, more security measures would be used inside the vehicles. The vehicles' owners would download the digital key before renting or buying the vehicles. While the app could be launched as earlier as next year, Volvo will continue to sell physical keys to those who prefer them.

In the same vein as Tesla, BMW, and other manufacturers, Volvo has become the latest brand at attempting to do away with the traditional metal key. Henrik Green, Volvo's Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management, explains that "mobility is evolving and [their] customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way." Although the electronic fobs are expensive to replace, this new app eliminates the danger of keys getting stuck or breaking away from the ignition lock. The app would also be able to handle various electronic keys. For example, if a friend or relative wanted to borrow a car, the owner could send the key (a silent electronic signal) to their smartphone. Volvo's officials have stated that the app could conveniently allow drivers "quickly book, pay for and drive rented Volvos anywhere in the world."

However, the new technology has not come without concerns. Martin Rosenqvist, the director of Volvo's new tech and services, acknowledges that while the Bluetooth app communicates with an "installation" inside the vehicle, "listening to the phone is not enough." Rosenqvist did not comment on what additional measures would be needed. Furthermore, experts such as Professor Alan Woodward have warned that Bluetooth has its security issues. The "short-range replacement for cables" makes the vehicle more prone to "eavesdropping and hijacking."

Volvo's technology is a step forward in ensuring that drivers feel safe about their vehicles and transportation. While millions of people have yet to experience electronic car keys, it seems as if it won't be long before they become the next best thing.