Replacing a key fob usually involves contacting your dealership who then needs to place a custom order. But the K2 fob works like a universal remote for vehicles, requiring just their make, model, year and about five minutes of programming.
The third-party replacement fob not only means faster turnaround times for customers — minutes instead of days — but it also allows dealerships to tap into the lucrative replacement remote market without requiring them to stock fobs for every make and model they sell. And since the K2 fob can be programmed to operate up to two vehicles, it should even help lighten keychains.
The system does raise some security concerns since apparently all that’s needed to program a remote is the vehicle’s make, model number and year. A five-minute activation process after it’s been programmed is what I assume ensures that not just anyone can create a fob to access your vehicle. But who’s to say it won’t happen when you leave your ride at a dealership or garage for repairs? Like that key copying vending machine it certainly sounds like a convenient solution, but is it more convenient for car owners or car thieves? [Keyless Ride via Engadget]