PaaK feature requests

[DYohn]

Putting the problem of PaaK not working for some people aside as a "known issue" that Ford will fix eventually, I would like to request a feature be added to the Ford Pass software. For security reasons, I would like the option of enabling PaaK only if the phone is unlocked, meaning if I (or someone else with my phone) approach the car with the phone locked the system will not respond. I must use my passcode on the phone (or in the case of my iPhone, facial recognition) to unlock the phone first.

There should also be a better proximity sensor as it seems that as long as I am within the 40-meter Bluetooth range the car stays connected to my phone and therefor does not "wake up" when I go into my garage. It is already awake, all the time, so I never see puddle lights and I do not know with certainty if the car is unlocking itself or if it is always unlocked. I'd like to be able to control this to a much shorter range.

Thanks

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[Deleted member 3663]

I'd like to have that feature too. It would need to be an optional feature as I believe others would rather be able to walk to car, open, without touching phone. But for me I like the idea of added security

 

[generaltso]

I’d be fine with this feature being added as optional. But if I was forced to unlock my phone to use PaaK, I would stop using it entirely. My phone stays in my pocket.

 

[RSH]

I’d be fine with this feature being added as optional. But if I was forced to unlock my phone to use PaaK, I would stop using it entirely. My phone stays in my pocket.

Agree - would need to be an optional feature, and I wouldn't opt for it. I understand the security concern, which is why Tesla has the option to use a 4-digit pin to put the car in drive (but not to get into the car).

 

[Motomax]

A pin code would definitely be ideal. Depending on how the phone is authenticated, it could be susceptible to the same relay attack that key fobs are.
with the exception that you can’t keep your phone in a metal box.

 

[benk016]

With android you could probably make this happen. Just set your phone to not allow FordPass to run in the background. Basically if the app isn't open on the screen, the Bluetooth connection won't work and it won't see it at all. Then when you want, you can unlock your phone and open the app and it will then connect and let you open the door.

Not as elegant as just being built in, but if its something you want, I think this would almost accomplish it at least temporarily until it is added.

 

[Motomax]

With android you could probably make this happen. Just set your phone to not allow FordPass to run in the background. Basically if the app isn't open on the screen, the Bluetooth connection won't work and it won't see it at all. Then when you want, you can unlock your phone and open the app and it will then connect and let you open the door.

Not as elegant as just being built in, but if its something you want, I think this would almost accomplish it at least temporarily until it is added.

You could do this on IPhone as well, I wonder how it would affect notifications.
Iphone does have the built in ability to restrict connection based on Lock Screen, this is why iphones need to be unlocked to be discovered with airdrop. Whether or not 3rd party apps have access to that feature I’m not sure.

 

[DYohn]

I just tried with my iPhone. Ford Pass not running and not allowed in the background, iPhone screen locked. Car opened right up because BT was still connected so it recognized the phone as a key. If I kill BT then no action, but then of course no PAAK at all. So just needing the phone to be unlocked is currently not enough of a security ask. I'd like the ability to require active input to unlock and drive the vehicle. A PIN, or needing Ford Pass running on an unlocked phone, or using the facial recognition feature of iPhone, or something.

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