BMW Digital Keys

Off the back of the Apple iOS 14 unveiling, BMW published further details of its digital key implementation with Apple devices.

Customers will be able to tap to unlock their vehicles and start their cars entirely using an iPhone. Users will need to use the BMW to setup and use this feature.

The Secure Enclave on the iPhone is used to store and access the digital key, and like the express transit option for the London Underground, the power reserve function on the phone can be used for up to around 5 hours. In addition there is Apple Watch compatibility and the provision to share car access with up to 5 friends using iMessage.

Work from Bermuda

Fellow British Overseas Territory Bermuda has always been a place that has protected its legal residency requirements. Although Bermudians are also British Passport holders, only those with “Bermudian” status can live there easily with free access to the local housing market and total ownership of local businesses. Anybody wanting to live there from elsewhere would usually need to go through a number of tests and sponsorship.

Because of COVID-19, however, a chink of light has emerged for digital nomads, i.e. those people who can remotely work.

The Bermuda Government has launched the Work From Bermuda One Year Residential Certificate form, which once completed, allows workers who are currently working remotely, to work from Bermuda.

When launching the form, Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP stated, “This government invites individuals who are already working from home to work remotely from Bermuda instead. COVID-19 has impacted the world. Overnight, companies have had to solve the problem of employees being able to work outside of the office. Workers are as productive, if not more so, working in their own environment. There is now the opportunity for employees, who I refer to as digital nomads, and university students to work and study, remotely from Bermuda. Applicants for the One Year Certificate must have the means to support themselves while working remotely, and cannot seek work in Bermuda.

“Once the form has been completed, the applicant will receive a response within five working days and if approved, can relocate to Bermuda.

“To date, Bermuda has successfully managed the Coronavirus pandemic and our COVID-19 testing regime is the most stringent in the world. This has kept transmission of the virus to a minimum which allows our residents and visitors flexibility not seen on other jurisdictions. We look forward to welcoming these new long term visitors to our shores.

“The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) are working closely with the Ministry of Labour to continue to promote Bermuda as the ideal location from which to work remotely. The international media have tracked the story and we have received many queries about this opportunity.”

The Premier concluded, “I extend my thanks to all those who worked tirelessly to get the form ready and put the process in place to accept applicants. Thank you to the Minister of Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP and his team, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP and his team for their hard work together with the teams at the BTA and the BDA.”

The application fee is Bermuda $263 and more details can be found at forms.gov.bm/work-from-bermuda/

TESLA Cybertruck

Tesla’s Cybertruck seems to have struck a chord with customers with pre-orders reaching 650,000 units.

The vehicle was unveiled in November 2019 and is expected to be available next year. The pre-order number is higher than Tesla’s cumulative combined vehicle deliveries for 2018/19.

Cybertruck’s design has been divisive. Some have likened it to a warped version of the DeLorean, while others have been wowed by its modern looks. Judge Dredd wouldn’t look out of place driving it.

It uses a number of technologies used in Elon Musk’s other companies. For example, the stainless steel alloy configuration is the same as used by SpaceX. A solar sunroof is proposed as an extra to help boost range.

At launch, three configurations will be available, with differing numbers of electric motors. All wheel drive is standard on all versions.

When it launches, the lines will be blurred between motoring and technology, and it faces a number of competitors from the more traditional car companies. In particular, Ford has redoubled attempts to launch as many electric variants of as much of its range as possible, including a version of the Mustang that is part sports car, part SUV.