While no interface is better, it is not always the simplest or the most utilitarian.
The Mercedes proximity based, keyless entry system is actually a complex digital abstraction over a mechanical key/lock.
Mercedes has to address a bunch of security concerns such as preventing an adversary from sniffing my key information through my jacket pocket, digitally cracking codes, etc. Since the system tries to protect you from locking your key in the car, more technological components need to be thrown into the mix to detect if the key is inside the car. If the driver has to reach into his pocket to turn on the ignition it would defeat the purpose of going "keyless" so presumably the ignition system also gets a few layers of complexity. The cost of whole system would also go up. Repair and maintenance don't sound so appealing either. The whole thing can fail in a lot more ways.
I am not inferring it's a bad idea. It very well might become commoditized technology some time in the future and pave the way for other interesting possibilities.
I prefer utilitarian design which is more concerned with simplicity through and through rather than just minimizing the footprint for the user interface.
The Mercedes proximity based, keyless entry system is actually a complex digital abstraction over a mechanical key/lock.
Mercedes has to address a bunch of security concerns such as preventing an adversary from sniffing my key information through my jacket pocket, digitally cracking codes, etc. Since the system tries to protect you from locking your key in the car, more technological components need to be thrown into the mix to detect if the key is inside the car. If the driver has to reach into his pocket to turn on the ignition it would defeat the purpose of going "keyless" so presumably the ignition system also gets a few layers of complexity. The cost of whole system would also go up. Repair and maintenance don't sound so appealing either. The whole thing can fail in a lot more ways.
I am not inferring it's a bad idea. It very well might become commoditized technology some time in the future and pave the way for other interesting possibilities.
I prefer utilitarian design which is more concerned with simplicity through and through rather than just minimizing the footprint for the user interface.