Today, September 24, a press release was posted on the NTT DOCOMO website, announcing that, together with Nissan and Sharp, it was working on developing a new type of intelligent key for automobiles.

In fact, development on a mobile phone capable of functioning as an intelligent key has already been wrapped up, and it will incorporate Nissan's intelligent key system that is already a standard on some of its vehicles. Since 2002, Nissan has installed this system on more than 950,000 units of various models. It uses two-way wireless communication in order to automatically lock and unlock the car, but also to start or stop the engine.

The junction between cellular technology and automobiles was made possible by DOCOMO, with its knowledge in the marketability of mobile phones. Sharp was the developer for the phone, while Nissan provided technical support to make sure that the key would work with its vehicles. Now, the two companies have integrated the intelligent-keys, the wireless communication and electromagnetic technologies into a prototype handset.

The good news is that, shortly, we will be able to see how the device works, since Nissan, DOCOMO and Sharp will demonstrate the “how” part during their exhibits at CEATEC Japan 2008, beginning September 30.

The intelligent key system integrated in a mobile sounds like a fairly good idea, especially since you will no longer have to carry with you so many cumbersome items. Nevertheless, one may wonder, what happens if your mobile is stolen? Or, perhaps even worse, how will you be able to start you car if, say, your battery is empty or your mobile fails to function? Hopefully, all these questions will be asked and answered at CEATEC Japan 2008.