Toyota's remote-entry wristwatch

Wireless key fobs were once a total status symbol, unlocking only the most German of cars.  Nowadays, even bare-bones Kias come standard with remote entry, so what's a social-climbing driver do to stand out? Toyota has the answer, with their new wristwatch that will unlock your doors either wirelessly or through direct door handle-contact. Even better, when the watch is within a certain proximity of your steering wheel, you can just push a starter button and leave your key at home altogether. Although you will look very Knight Rider with your new toy, we can't promise that enterprising carjackers won't start carrying around hacksaws, looking to remove your entry-device by any means necessary.

[narrativium @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Well, at least it isn't butt-ugly, like most of the things tend to be.

[Mark Galvan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The "keyless go" system you can order (introduced in 1999) with a Benz appeals more to me. It's credit card sized so you can stick it in you wallet.

[austinkennethlee @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

ever since the swatch access watch came out i wanted to do this with my car and house (and i bet the guy that implanted an RFID tag in his hand could as well).

one of the problems i ran into was 1. backup/failsafe mechanism; 2. battery drain from requiring constant searching of the signal; 3. obvious safety issues


i think i'll wait until the ricers pick this up, and hope they come up with an inexpensive, non-garish aftermarket solution

[LB @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

It is a pretty neat invention. However, I have to agree that just how technology evolves so do carjackers.

[jazzay @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Or you can just get a nice car with the wireless key fob that unlocks the doors when you walk within a few feet and you just have a push button start, while never taking the fob out of your pocket, and pick a better watch :)

[hli @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Well, it may be not as chic (being only a card) but my Renault Megane II already does this. Opens the door when grabbing the handle and pushing Start/Stop button for more than a year...

[Elias @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I can't afford to lose my wrists to would-be car-jackers... not when the Revolution controller will put my wrists back to good use.

[jon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

'course, it means you can never actually check that your car is properly locked..

Keys! Proper bits of metal that work without power, that you can get wet, that don't break..

Solutions looking for problems just don't impress me.

[Jon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Surprisingly, my electronic key fob has been through the wash a couple of times and still works fine! Even on the original battery from when I had the car new almost 3 years ago.

Hope the one on my brand new VW Passat will be as reliable, when it arrives next month.

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

my 05 prius has the "smart key" option that does exactly this, only inside of a normal keyfob. it sounded pretty frivilous when i got it, but its FANTASTIC! it has multiple short range antennas, so it only opens the door you are standing next to (or the hatch).

the only problem is, you forget the car needs keys at all. you get used to just walking up to the car, opening the door and driving away. making for many embarassing trips back to the house.

if the damn fobs didnt cost three hundred bucks, id tear one apart and wedge it inside my shoe or something :)

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

also... the toyota system has two backups in case the wireless goes haywire. the entire fob can be inserted into a slot on the dash, and there is a mini-key hidden inside the fob itself.

there is also a button under the dash to disable the system manually. how embarassing would it be to have a good window seat at a diner, and have someone just walk away with your car hassle free. (the car will run fine when the fob is out of range, as long as you never turn it off)

[epp_b @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Internal power locks are nice to have, keyfobs are fine (I can live perfectly well without them).

But, c'mon...give me some good 'ol keys any day.

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The whole carjacker thing seems a little over blown to me. First of all it could be a variety of watches, shoes, jewerly etc... So many things it is going to be difficult to figure out what to hack off. Plus if you are really that concerned, which I ain't, you simple have a "dummy key" that always remains in the ignition when the care is started, or flips out like a stereo face, but has no function. I live in a rough neighborhood and I have never been car jacked or even know anyone who has. I would love to get rid of a key or two off of my keychain though, 6 is way to many.

[silvscorp @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I think RFID implant would work better for me since I usually forget my watch in the office.

[Doug Harris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I also have the 05 Prius and love the smart key system.

The "two backups" comment mentioned by Joe above needs a little clarification. The key hidden inside the fob is *only* for unlocking the doors and sticking the whole fob into the dashboard is *only* for starting the car.

This is necessary for that point in the future when the battery in the fob dies.

[Victor @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Sitting at a dinner and seeing your car being driven off because of smart entry is not likley to happen unless your seat is less than 4 feet or so from the car door.

[o'lize @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

the only problem is, you forget the car needs keys at all. you get used to just walking up to the car, opening the door and driving away. making for many embarassing trips back to the house.