Shannon Larratt is Zentastic

This painting is quite large. I finished sketching it today.

So I was thinking that instead of a regular car key, cars should start using a USB dongle/key. For security, it would be mated to the car using public key cryptography, both to authenticate the car, the key, and documents the car produces that are stored on the key. Having a USB key as a car key would have a few advantages (and a few obvious disadvantages — like what happens if the system is cracked):

• You could plug it into your computer and put audio and video files on it to play in your car (just like copying files to a USB stick or MP3 player). Sure, there are other ways to do this (burn a DVD, get an iPod transmitter, etc.), but this is about single device convenience factor.
• You could transfer map directions from your computer to the car's GPS/navigation system.
• Diagnostic problems would be reported using a standard interface (ie. USB), allowing customers to see the problem for themselves on their computer, and then optionally electronically report the problem to mechanics in their area for an online quote.
• Driving details (up to and including engine data and full GPS tracking) could be recorded for the purpose of anything from insurance (accident disputes and documentation, lower rates for good drivers, etc.), monitoring (employees, kids, personal, etc.), to vehicle tuning.
• Standard interface allowing the key to be used with virtually all computer hardware (since for the computer, it's just like a USB drive).
• Kid/employee/valet keys could be programmed with different restrictions (for example, the valet key would not allow trunk access) and warnings (if the car leaves a given area, if a speed limit is exceeded, etc.).
• Advertising system (totally optional of course), partnered with Google Local or a similar service, that plays ads that are relevant to your location and interests, and pays you to listen to them (inserting them between MP3 tracks for example). In city driving, this would certainly cover the cost of gas (so if you listen to ads, you drive for free).

The whole thing wouldn't even cost very much… Just a few more microcontrollers in the car really, and the USB key. I'm actually surprised that it's not standard issue in any cars yet…