Your commute could be in for a change, as Google launches its sort-of-competitor to Uber and Lyft: Waze Carpool.

The app, which taps into Waze's traffic navigation system so commuters can share rides to and from work, is successfully out of beta and live for residents in the Bay Area, according to Engadget, via The Wall Street Journal.

While still far from having the reach of apps like Uber & Co., Waze Carpool is a much different beast - one that concentrates on the day-to-day commute rather than on-demand trips that make up the competition's bread-and-butter.

Going my Waze?

For starters, drivers that sign up for Waze Carpool won't be in it for the money. The service pays drivers a scant $0.54/mile (about £0.40/AU$0.70 per mile) and limits them to two trips per day.

This means that drivers are encouraged to pick up fellow commuters on the way to and from their current job rather than patrol for customers, as the benefits are meant to chip in for gas on a trip you already planned on taking.

Because Waze Carpool drivers are not intended to be employees, Google (and to some extent, the law) is less scrutinizing when it comes to qualifying applicants, who only need a general schedule and home/work location to behind picking up carpoolers.

While this means just about anyone can shave down the cost of their commute - nor will drivers have to beg for good reviews to keep their job - it also means a lack of background checks, drivers insurance, or other safety concerns that could potentially become issues for Waze Carpool as it expands.

• Uber vs Lyft: Which cab-on-call is for you?

Patent applications often provide some valuable insight into a company's thinking, even if the products they mention never make it to market, and Apple has just been granted a patent for using an iPhone as a virtual car key.

There's no specific mention of the long-rumored Apple Car - in theory this digital mechanism could work with any motor vehicle - but it shows Apple's growing interest in the auto industry. If the Apple Car is real, you can be sure it'll work with your iPhone in all kinds of helpful ways.

Under the patent an iPhone could be used to act as a car's key via Bluetooth, unlocking the doors and starting the engine. Secondary devices could also be authorized, if you wanted to lend the car to a friend or the kids for a short period.

Keys to the auto kingdom

Of course there's nothing particularly new about what Apple is proposing here - Volvo and Ford are just two of the companies that let you unlock and start your car with the help of a phone app, and it looks like physical keys will soon be a distant memory.

Nevertheless it's interesting to see Apple going further into the car tech market and planning how an Apple Car could fit in with the rest of the company's ecosystem. Would Android users be automatically locked out? We'll have to wait and see.

Apple hasn't made any announcements regarding an electric or self-driving vehicle but we've seen so many rumors that it would be a surprise if there wasn't something in the works. Just remember to bring your iPhone along when you arrange a test drive.

• Here's Apple's other car technology: CarPlay

What we think of Apple's latest phone:

Volvo showed up at MWC 2016 in Barcelona with a car (shocker), but there wasn't a key in sight. Yes, this is Volvo's new keyless vehicle, and I went to check it out.

Locking and unlocking your car via your smartphone isn't anything new – a number of manufacturers already offer this – but Volvo's new implementation takes things a step further.

The Volvo S90 parked up at MWC packs always-on Bluetooth, which is on the lookout for your smartphone.

All you have to do is walk up to the car (with your phone switched on and in your pocket or bag), place your hand on the handle and it'll magically unlock.

The lights flash, the wing mirrors unfurl and the doors make that satisfying, clunky unlocking sound. The app doesn't need to be open, or even sitting in your multi-tasking drawer, but your Bluetooth will need to be on.

You'll also need to be standing by the door, otherwise you'll be out of Bluetooth range – but you'll likely be out of arms reach, too. Locking the car is as easy as touching the square sensor on the door handle.

Feeling generous?

Of course, you will need to download Volvo's app to your phone – it's coming to iOS, Android, Windows and BlackBerry – and set register your vehicle to the handset. This creates a virtual key on your phone.

This key can then be easily shared with other family members or, if you're feeling generous, friends via the app. You can even set up time limits for the key. So, if you lend the car to someone for the day, they won't be able to go for a joyride at a later date.

This functionality is also likely to appeal to rental firms, making it much easier for them to get a car's information and keys to customers.

Getting in and out of the car is only half the battle, though: once you're sitting in the driver's seat, you still need to turn the car on.

To start the ignition, you need to be sitting in the driver's seat with your phone on or about your person. If you've left your smartphone in a jacket pocket, which is now in the trunk, you won't be going anywhere.

Assuming you've still got your phone, starting the car requires you to twist the ignition button on the central console, and you're ready to roll.

Low power warning

This all sounds great, and – if it works – will make things a lot easier. But there is only rather major hang-up: if your phone dies, you won't be able to get into the car.

Now, Volvo tells us it doesn't see this being an issue, as people will ensure that their phone has juice. But, we've all been caught with a dead phone in the past and, if you're reliant on your phone to get into your car, you could find yourself in a bit of a pickle.

Workarounds are already available, as any phone or tablet with Bluetooth will be able to operate the car. So, if you've got an iPad in your bag, you can use that if your phone has given up the ghost.

Limited trials of the keyless car will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden in the coming months, where Volvo will monitor the likelihood of flat phone batteries and look into the best ways around it.

The keyless tech is due to hit new cars throughout the Volvo fleet in 2017.

• Everything you need to know about Apple CarPlay

Introduction

Since several states have deemed it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, automakers and electronics companies have tried to find ways to make it easier for us to still use our smartphones in our cars. From the suction cup on the windshield to a small auxiliary screen mounted on the dash, there have been countless attempts to help us keep two hands on the wheel.

Now comes the biggest push yet to fully integrate our smartphones with our cars – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems now fully integrate our smartphones with our car's infotainment system, making it easy to control many of our phone's functions via a large LCD screen in the middle of the dash.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will definitely help keep our hands on the steering wheel and eyes more on the road ahead. Here are seven ways that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will make driving safer.

Your phone is on lockdown

Even if you get tempted to look at your phone, there won't be any point. Once you plug your smartphone into the USB port in your car, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto take over your phone's screen.

So, the only way you can access your phone is by using the voice controls or the information on the screen. You could always just unplug your phone, but why do that when everything you need is within shouting – or speaking – distance?

Make phone calls with ease

No need to scroll through your phone while you're on the road to find a friend's number. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have access to your full contact list via your voice or by using the touchscreen in the center of your dashboard. You can even listen to your voicemail or return that missed call from your mom.

Apple and Google Maps are now hands-free

Before Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, if you wanted to use Apple or Google Maps for directions, you had to stare at your phone's likely tiny screen for directions. Obviously, this wasn't very safe and was the one of the easiest ways for you to get pulled over or worse.

You can now access both mapping systems on your car's infotainment screen, which will help you keep your eyes closer to where it matters – on the road. Better yet, both Siri and Google Now will dictate every turn to you through your car's speaker system.

Find all your music by just asking for it

Trying to find a song in your music library probably ranks pretty high in the number of things that you are doing with your phone while driving – right beside "looking for a phone number" and "texting". Now, you can access all your music without even having to touch your phone.

Simply ask Siri for a song, and Apple CarPlay will automatically cue it up on your car's audio system. You can also access Spotify or Pandora. (Google Now can do the same through Android Auto.) No more pawing at a screen with your other paw on the wheel.

Give your thumb a break

No need to grab your phone to send a text to a friend that you're late for dinner because now you can simply send, listen to and reply to text messages with your voice. Apple CarPlay will also play audio messages back to you, as will Android Auto.

Dangerous road system ahead?

Android Auto can offer suggestions for alternate routes to your destination as traffic conditions change along your current route. This is something that many older navigation systems can't hold a candle to yet.

Apple Maps can also provide you with current traffic, too. But whether it's as up-to-date as Google Maps is another story.

Make lists on the go without lifting a finger

Ever think of something that you wanted to write down while you were driving? It almost goes without saying that it would be dangerous to search for a pen and paper or tap it into your smartphone while you're driving.

Apple CarPlay allows you to make lists and set up reminders by talking to the system through Siri. Meanwhile, Android Auto does the same through Google Now. You can even set said reminders to go off at certain times by dictating commands like, "Hey Siri, remind me to pick up milk on the way home today?"