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UWB – Bluetooth w/o Pairing to Replace NFC 
 
UWB, or ultra-wideband, looks like the next big thing as it allows for fast data transfer over longer ranges, with precision location services baked in. UWB chips are now present in several new smartphones, like the iPhone 11 series and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Samsung’s examples of using UWB technology: finding your car in a parking lot, or unlocking the front door it’s approach. Bluetooth and NFC could work as well for these examples, but UWB is going to dramatically amplify and simplify the possibilities. Xiaomi has also posted its own take on UWB. Apple showed UWB applications, including the launch of AirTags, its take on Tile devices for keeping track of the location of things. Xiaomi’s video shows the control devices such as a smart light, smart display, fan, and smart TV, just by pointing it at the devices.

• There’s no identification or connection. Like an IR blaster, but more universal, and like Bluetooth in the data transfer options, but without having to pair.
• There’s a smart lock automatically unlocking the door as it detects the phone within a ~1 meter/~3 ft radius. Again, no interaction required.
• This is also the technology likely to be used in cars as phones use digital keys. Apple’s own Car Key tech uses UWB but with NFC as well for phones and cars without the tech.