VISTA, California — For those who think the iPhone can't meet all important human needs, Directed Electronics begs to differ. The car security and audio company has released an iPhone app that allows owners to control their vehicle from the comfort of a phone or an iPod Touch.
As long have you have one of the aforementioned devices and a Viper SmartStart-equipped vehicle, you will never have a need for a key fob again. The app will control the locking mechanism of your car, open the trunk and even activate the alarm. A "Smart Start" button right in the middle of the screen also acts as a remote starter.
The coolest feature of this application is the fact that, as long as you have a signal on AT&T's 3G network (or are connected to WiFi, for Touch users), you have control of these functions. You will no longer have to worry about not being in range to activate the alarm or even remotely start your car during the wintertime.
In order for the system to work, you will first obviously need one of the Apple products. Then you will have to invest in either the $299 Viper SmartStart Module (VSM100) if you already have a Viper remote start system or the Viper SmartStart System (VSS4000) for $499 if you don't. After the system is installed, all you need to do is download the app from the App Store to start controlling your vehicle from your phone.
The app is free to download, and users will not be charged for the first year of service. However, Viper plans to charge $29 for each year thereafter. Those interested should check out the SmartStart Web site.
Inside Line says: A cool feature for iPhone users — now we can only hope an app like this is developed soon. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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